Which agency oversees both plant and animal GMOs and requires notification, issue permits, and determinations of nonregulated statuses?

• A. FDA
• B. APHIS
• C. EPA
• D. NEPA

Answer: (B)

APHIS within the USDA is the regulatory body that handles genetically engineered organisms for both plants and animals. Its biotechnology regulations require submitting a notification or permit for actions involving regulated articles, and it can issue a determination of nonregulated status when an organism is assessed as not posing a plant pest risk. This framework—notification or permit pathways plus determinations of nonregulated status—is specific to APHIS and reflects its role in safeguarding plant health and agricultural ecosystems, while also extending to certain animal biotech. FDA and EPA have separate, different scopes (FDA for food and drug safety; EPA for environmental effects of pesticidal traits), and NEPA is a law requiring environmental analyses rather than a regulatory agency.