USDA clears genetically engineered potato, other plants
The USDA has recently reviewed a lowered-glucose potato and three other plants modified using genetic engineering.
The agency reviewed the following varieties to determine whether they posed an increased plant-pest risk relative to non-modified comparators:
- GDM Seeds, modified soybean for drought tolerance.
- BioHeuris, modified soybean for herbicide resistance.
- Michigan State University, modified potato for lowered glucose and fructose in tubers.
- ZeaKal, modified soybean for increased seed oil and protein.
The USDA found these modified plants were unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated plants, the agency said.
As a result, the USDA said the varieties are not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. From a plant-pest risk perspective, these modified plants may be safely grown and bred in the U.S., according to the agency.
