USDA APHIS issues regulatory status review responses: Covercress, GCMBNA, Moolec, and MSU

Date:09-26-2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently reviewed the following plants modified using genetic engineering to determine whether they posed an increased plant pest risk as relative to non-modified comparator:

• Covercress, three submissions, pennycress with reduced levels of glucosinolates (sulfur-containing compounds), erucic acid, fiber, and seed shattering. 

• GCMBNA Ruby Genetics, clementine with red fruit color.

• Moolec Science, pea with a meat protein in seeds. 

• Michigan State University, potato with increased drought tolerance. 

APHIS found these modified plants were unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated plants. As a result, they 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 United States. 

View the RSR Table

View the Plant-Trait Mechanism of Action Table