Timeline

• 1940 


  plant breeders learn to use radiation or chemicals to randomly change an organism’s DNA.
• 1973 


  Herbert Boyer, Stanley N. Cohen developed biotechnology / DNA recombinant technology
• 1994


  The first GMO produce created through genetic engineering— a

  GMO tomato —becomes available for sale after studies evaluated by federal agencies proved it to be as safe as traditionally bred tomatoes.
• 1986

  The federal government establishes the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. This policy describes how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) work together to regulate the safety of GMOs.
• 1982


  FDA approves the first consumer GMO product developed through genetic engineering: human insulin to treat diabetes.
• 1953

  Building on the discoveries of chemist Rosalind Franklin, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick identify the structure of DNA.
• 1992

  FDA policy states that foods from GMO plants must meet the same requirements, including the same safety standards, as foods derived from traditionally bred plants.
• 1986


  The federal government establishes the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. This policy describes how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) work together to regulate the safety of GMOs.
• 1922


  The first hybrid corn is produced and sold commercially.
• 1990s 


  The first wave of GMO produce created through genetic engineering becomes available to consumers: summer squash, soybeans, cotton, corn, papayas, tomatoes, potatoes, and canola. Not all are still available for sale.
• 2003

  The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards to determine the safety of GMO foods.
• 2005 


  GMO alfalfa and sugar beets are available for sale in the United States.
• 2015  


  FDA approves an application for the first genetic modification in an animal for use as food, a genetically engineered salmon.
• 2016 


  Congress passes a law requiring labeling for some foods produced through genetic engineering and uses the term “bioengineered,” which will start to appear on some foods.
• 2017


   GMO apples are available for sale in the U.S.
• 2019 


  FDA completes consultation on first food from a genome edited plant.
• 2020


  GMO pink pineapple is available to U.S. consumers.
• 2020


  Application for GalSafe pig was approved.