APHIS to Hold Public Meetings on Rewrite of Regulations on Importation of GE Organisms

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold three public meetings in June to discuss its proposed changes to regulations on importation, interstate movement and release of genetically engineered (GE) organisms, it said (here). The proposed rule, issued in January (see 1701180058), would modify current definitions of what is a GE organism, as well as the criteria used by APHIS to judge whether it regulates GE organisms based on the risk of introduction of plant pests or noxious weeds. Time-limited import permits would be eliminated, as would current notification procedures. The meetings will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 6, Davis, California, on June 13, and Riverdale, Maryland, on June 16. Comments on the proposed changes are due June 19 (see 1702090017).