The agencies regulating release of genetically engineered materials into the environment are

• A. FDA and EPA
• B. NIH and CDC
• C. USDA and EPA
• D. OSHA and EPA

Answer: (D)

Environmental release of genetically engineered materials is overseen by agencies that handle ecological and agricultural risk, not workplace safety or health research. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) evaluates environmental risks and regulates activities that could affect ecosystems, including the regulatory review of pesticidal substances produced by GE organisms and the broader environmental implications of releasing engineered organisms. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), regulates field testing and release of genetically engineered plants and animals to prevent unintended spread and ecological impact.

OSHA focuses on worker safety in the workplace, not environmental release. FDA governs safety of foods and medical products, while NIH and CDC are health research/public health entities. Therefore, the agencies regulating release into the environment are USDA and EPA.