USDA/APHIS issues regulatory status review responses: Agrivida, Inc. corn and Toolgen, Inc. potato

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is posting two Regulatory Status Review (RSR) responses under the revised biotechnology regulations at 7 CFR part 340. APHIS reviewed a modified corn plant from Agrivida, Inc. The corn was modified using genetic engineering to alter animal feed quality for improved digestion. APHIS also reviewed a modified potato from Toolgen, Inc. This potato was modified using genetic engineering to alter tuber quality by reducing browning.

We found these plants are unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated corn and potato and, thus, they are not subject to regulation under 7 CFR part 340. That means, from a plant pest risk perspective, these plants may be safely grown and used in breeding in the United States. Our responses are based on information from the developers and our:
•    familiarity with plant varieties,
•    knowledge of the traits, and
•    understanding of the modifications.

Under 7 CFR part 340, developers may submit a request to APHIS for a Regulatory Status Review (RSR) when they believe a modified plant is not subject to regulation. APHIS reviews the modified plant and considers whether it might pose an increased plant pest risk compared to a nonregulated plant. If our review finds a plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk relative to the comparator plant, we issue a response indicating the plant is not subject to the regulations. You can view the Agrivida, Inc., RSR request, the Toolgen, Inc., RSR request and our response letters on the APHIS website.