THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE
Division on Earth and Life Studies
Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Food and Nutrition Board
Committee on Heritable Genetic Modification in Food Animals
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Congressional Briefing
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
via Zoom
On
Heritable Genetic Modification in Food Animals
At the request of Congress in P.L. 117-328, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, this new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examines the biological basis of potential health risks relevant to the regulation of heritable genetic modifications (HGMs) in food animals. This report considers whether hazards could arise during the development of HGM food animals, the methods available to detect hazards, and the likelihood that they could result in harm. The report recommends conducting additional research to fill gaps in understanding of how both HGM techniques and conventional breeding methods influence animal welfare and the quality of animal foods, establishing a study group to gauge public attitudes toward animal biotechnology in agriculture, and developing best practices for public engagement regarding such technologies.
This briefing was for members of Congress and congressional staff only. The report was publicly released on April 23, 2025 and can be found, in its entirety, on the Web site of the National Academies Press.