A line of pigs genetically modified to lack detectable amounts of alpha gal on the surface of their cells received regulatory approval for use in the food supply by which agency?

• A. CDC
• B. FDA
• C. USDA FSIS
• D. USDA APHIS

Answer: (B)

The key idea is who has the authority to approve foods from genetically engineered animals. In the United States, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine evaluates the safety of a genetically engineered animal and any products derived from it before it can be marketed for food. This includes assessing the modification itself and ensuring the resulting meat or other products are safe for human consumption. USDA APHIS focuses on the health and welfare of animals and potential environmental risks, not the approval of foods for the market. FSIS handles inspection and safety verification of meat products after they’re produced, but doesn’t grant the initial approval for the genetic modification. CDC isn’t the agency that regulates approval of foods from GE animals. So the regulatory approval for use in the food supply comes from the FDA.