Which government agency must approve that a new bioengineered food product is safe for consumers?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for ensuring that new bioengineered food products are safe for consumers. This agency evaluates food products, including those that are genetically modified, to determine their safety for human consumption. The FDA examines the scientific data and information provided by manufacturers, considering factors such as potential allergenicity, nutritional content, and any toxicological implications.

The involvement of the FDA is crucial because it ensures that any new food product meets safety standards designed to protect public health. The agency's rigorous review process helps to prevent the introduction of potentially hazardous substances into the food supply. Comparatively, the other agencies mentioned, such as the USDA (which focuses on agricultural practices), the CDC (which is primarily concerned with public health and disease prevention), and the EPA (which regulates pesticides and environmental issues), do not have the same scope or authority over the safety of food products in the same direct manner as the FDA. Therefore, the FDA's role is central to the safety assessment of bioengineered foods intended for consumers.