EPA Clears Three New Proteins for All Food
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Rule
Summary
The EPA just said it’s okay to have tiny amounts of three special proteins—Cry1B.34.1, Cry1B.61, and IPD083Cb—in all food and animal feed without setting strict limits. This helps farmers and food makers use these proteins safely in crops to protect plants from pests. The new rule kicks in on May 29, 2026, and anyone who wants to object has until July 28, 2026, to speak up.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Tolerance exemption for three PIP proteins
EPA exempted residues of the Cry1B.34.1, Cry1B.61.1, and IPD083Cb proteins from the requirement of a tolerance in or on all food and feed commodities when used as plant‑incorporated protectants and according to label directions and good agricultural practices. This exemption is effective May 29, 2026 and removes the need to set numerical maximum residue limits for these proteins.
EPA finds proteins non‑toxic and non‑allergenic
EPA evaluated toxicology and exposure data and concluded Cry1B.34.1, Cry1B.61.1, and IPD083Cb are of negligible toxicity and unlikely to be food allergens. Acute oral studies showed no toxicity to mice after three oral doses totaling 5000 mg/kg body weight, and EPA concluded there is a reasonable certainty of no harm to the U.S. population, including infants and children.
No enforcement test required for residues
Because EPA established an exemption without any numerical limit, the Agency determined an analytical enforcement method is not required for Cry1B.34.1, Cry1B.61.1, and IPD083Cb residues. The petitioner did submit a valid ELISA that EPA found reliable for detecting these proteins in soybean tissues.
EPA sees no expected hazard to non‑target species
EPA conducted ecological risk and environmental fate assessments and determined the three proteins are not expected to pose hazards to non‑target, non‑lepidopteran organisms, including marine fish and invertebrates. EPA also found off‑field dispersal of pollen and post‑harvest residues would result in negligible exposure to marine environments.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19071, Partial Repeal of the Carbon Pollution Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units
The EPA is rolling back most of the 2024 rules that limited carbon pollution from fossil fuel power plants. This change affects coal and gas plants by easing some strict limits on emissions and carbon capture technology. The new rules kick in on November 16, 2026, potentially saving money for power plants but raising questions about pollution control.
2026-19072, Rescission of the Greenhouse Gas Findings for Fossil Fuel-Fired Power Plants and Repeal of Regulations for Power Plant Greenhouse Gas Emissions Under Clean Air Act Section 111
The EPA is proposing to cancel all greenhouse gas rules for fossil fuel power plants, saying the law doesn’t let them regulate these emissions for climate reasons. This change affects power plants across the U.S. and could impact future pollution limits and costs. Comments on this proposal are open until November 2, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-18317, Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The purpose of this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking is for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army ("the agencies") to supplement and seek additional comment on certain aspects of an earlier proposal, published on November 20, 2025, to revise the regulations defining the scope of waters federally covered under the Clean Water Act in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. As stated in the agencies' November 20, 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the agencies intend for this rulemaking to provide greater regulatory certainty and increase Clean Water Act program predictability and consistency by clarifying the definition of "waters of the United States." After consideration of the public comments received on the NPRM, the agencies are issuing this notice to supplement the NPRM with additional regulatory options on certain aspects of the proposed rule.
2026-14112, Amendments and Nonconformance Penalties for Model Year 2027 and Later Heavy-Duty Highway Engines and Amendments to Inducement Provisions for SCR-Equipped Diesel Engines
Starting with model year 2027, the EPA is updating rules for big truck engines to make sure they last longer and pollute less. They’re also letting engine makers pay penalties if their engines don’t meet standards, and tightening rules for special pollution-control systems on diesel engines. These changes affect truck and engine makers and kick in soon, with public feedback due by August 29, 2026.
2026-13667, Minor New Source Review Program Air Permitting Public Participation Requirements for State Implementation Plans
The EPA wants to give states more freedom to decide how much public input is needed when approving small air pollution sources or changes. This means local air agencies can tailor public participation to fit their community’s needs while still protecting air quality. If you’re involved in air permits, watch for comment deadlines and possible virtual hearings this summer!
2026-13263, Revisions To Establish the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) for Public Water Systems
The EPA is rolling out the sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) to check for new, sneaky chemicals in public drinking water. Big water systems serving 3,300+ people and some smaller ones will test for 30 different contaminants, including certain PFAS and pesticides, to keep our water safe. Comments and feedback are open until late August 2026, and the EPA will host fun online meetings to chat about the plan!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10675, Medical Devices; Neurological Devices; Classification of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator To Treat Fibromyalgia Symptoms
The FDA is officially classifying the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for fibromyalgia as a Class II device, meaning it’s safe and effective with some special rules. This change helps patients get easier access to this innovative treatment by cutting down red tape. The new classification is effective May 29, 2026, and could speed up device availability without extra costs for makers or users.
Next: 2026-10711, Propylene Oxide; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA just set safe limits for propylene oxide pesticide residues on sesame seeds, dried turmeric, ginger, and dried peppers. This affects farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies starting May 29, 2026, with a chance to raise concerns by July 28, 2026. These new rules help keep our food safe without causing extra costs or delays.