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.
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Key Dates
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