GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It is an organism whose genetic material or DNA has been altered to contain a piece of DNA or gene from another unrelated organism. GMO is defined in the legislation as ‘an organism in which the genetic material is altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination’.
Any individual or company using a GMO must obtain consent from the EPA. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for licensing GMO including
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Contained use of GMOs
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Deliberate release of GMOs
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Transboundary movement of GMOs
Further information can be found at "Licensing & Permitting: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's)" on the EPA's web site.