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Explore the nature, purposes, and responsible agencies of biotech regulations. Learn about permits, Federal Register, and ethical considerations. Understand international perspectives, confidentiality, and business implications.
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Chapter 20 REGULATIONS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
Regulations • Are intended to allow us to safely use the benefits of biotech. • Help in developing and using biotech products and services.
Nature and Purposes of Regulations • Regulation- a law, principle, or other directive. • Regulations apply to the production, sale, and use of biotech products. • GMO-genetically modified organism.
Regulations • GMOs are carefully tested and documented before products are available. • GMOs must be labeled and used according to instructions.
Regulations • Users must have prescribed training and sign contracts. • Agricultural producers must segregate GMO crops from other crops.
Purposes of Regulations • Regulations are designed to protect people, other living organisms, and the environment • They help those who are inclined not to do the right thing to follow acceptable procedures
Purposes • Some nations refuse to accept GMO grain, cotton, and animal products. • Harvested crops must be kept separate • Overall purpose is to protect.
Agencies • Agencies that regulate biotech are at the federal, state, and local levels. • State and local level regulations vary, but not violate those of the federal government.
Who makes Regulations • Made by 3 branches of the federal government • Legislative • Executive • Judicial
Legislative • Regulations are rooted in the laws enacted by the Congress of the United States. • Once passed by Congress, the president must sign approving the law.
Executive • Executive branch can issue executive orders that influence biotech. • Only president has the authority to issue these
Responsible Agencies • Three agencies in the federal gov’t have primary responsibilities for administering laws related to biotech.
The USDA • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Decide whether products are safe to use on cultured crops or animals.
The EPA • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Its role is to assure quality environment.
The FDA • U.S. Food and Drug Administration • It is responsible for all laws that are designed to assure the safety of food and drugs.
Getting a product approved • Application forms must include reports of all testing needed to gain approval. • Some products are granted only for experimental purposes.
Permits • Permit-a written approval granted by the appropriate government agency. • Permits are needed to introduce products that are regulated.
Permits • Regulated Organism-one that has been genetically engineered. • Permits are needed to transport regulated organisms.
The Federal Register • The official document of the U.S. government for informing the public about the regulation of biotech products. • Web site-www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/
Organizations • Organizations provide guidelines and opportunities for communication among biotechnologists. • Don’t have authority to regulate the use of biotech products.
Bio • Biotechnology Industry Organization • Largest trade organization • Provides leadership & guidance to help its members advance the overall industry.
Area of Leadership • One area of leadership by BIO is bioethics. • BIO promotes informed citizens • Programs to promote the study of biotech to students
CBC • Council of Biotechnology Centers • Membership made up of research and development centers
CBC • CBC is intended to provide dialogue among individuals with shared interests in biotechnology.
Ethics and Regulations • Regulations are to protect people. • Regulations need to be changed when the interfere with people gaining benefits for biotech.
International Perspective • Nation benefit differently from biotechnology • Nations are classified as developing or developed.
International Perspective • Developing nation-one that has low levels of economic activity. • Have low standards of living and quality of life • Developed nation-one that is highly industrial
Free Enterprise • Companies in biotech development are in business to make a profit. • The benefit of people and welfare of a company may conflict
Confidentiality • Confidentiality-keeping information secret or private • Confidential business information(CBI)-applications to government agencies to gain approval to transport or release a regulated organism
Confidentiality • Info is protected & not released to insure that the investment of the company is protected • Info known as trade secrets