What are the laws pertaining to genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

In Virginia, the laws regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are complex and vary depending on the organism in question. For plants and seeds, the Virginia General Assembly has enacted the Plant Protection Act. This Act requires that any new variety of seed or plant grown in Virginia must be registered with the State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Additionally, it requires that all seeds and plants used for cultivation must meet certain labeling requirements. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also regulates the use of GMOs in foods, animal feed, and other products. All GMO food products must be labeled to indicate the presence of GMOs. The department is also responsible for ensuring that the genetic material used in plant and animal products is held to a certain standard and does not pose an environmental hazard. The Environmental Protection Agency also has regulations in place for the release of GMOs into the environment. Any experimenting with genetically modified organisms must have approval from the EPA before being released in the environment. The EPA reviews the proposed release of GMOs to ensure that they do not have a negative impact on the environment. Finally, the Federal Drug & Cosmetic Act of 1938 is in place to regulate the production and sale of genetically modified food products. The Act requires businesses to produce and sell food products that are safe for consumption. It also requires companies to provide accurate information about the production and sale of their GMO products.

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