Agriculture and Environmental groups have different opinions on which federal agency should have the authority to regulate genetically engineered food animals. Agriculture groups want the USDA to have the authority while Environmental Groups want the FDA to have the authority. South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says both agencies should be involved in the regulatory process.

He says the FDA should have authority to regulate if involves genetically modified organisms related to human health.

Oedekoven says USDA has more of a role to play when efficiency in production is involved.

Oedekoven says when food production is being enhanced and the safety of food is not in jeopardy there can be a faster regulatory process.