Biosafety

Below are some resources to assist IGCAST Phytotron clients in complying with biosafety regulations. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in COMPLETE compliance with all federal, state and institutional biosafety regulations. 

Federal Authority:

Three federal agencies are responsible for regulating agricultural biotechnology in the United States: EPA, USDA-APHIS-BRS, and FDA. 

 EPA

The EPA regulates biotechnology as it relates to pesticides, e.g. genetically engineered pesticides. 

 https://www.epa.gov/regulation-biotechnology-under-tsca-and-fifra

 FDA

The FDA's role involves safety of GM plants intended for consumption. "FDA assesses food safety and nutritional aspects of new plant varieties. FDA bases its biotechnology policy on existing food law and requires that genetically engineered foods meet the same rigorous safety standards required of all other foods."

 https://www.fda.gov/safety/fdas-regulation-plant-and-animal-biotechnology-products

 USDA

USDA- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service- Biotechnology Regulatory Service regulates the importation, interstate transportation and environmental release of GM organisms. 

 https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/biotechnology

NIH

Contained experiments must adhere to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Standards for containment based on recommended biosafety level.

Guidelines for Experiments Involving Whole Plants- Section III D-5 and E-2;

General Responsibilities- Section IV B-7;

and, General Plant Biosafety Levels- Appendix L

Institutional Guidelines

TTU Laboratory Safety Manual- Section B: Biosafety Manual