Darling Safety Demonstrated

By 2019, a robust body of research demonstrated Darling’s safety. These studies tested for microbial colonization of plant roots, leaf litter decomposition, soil fungal diversity, native plant responses to Darling 54, effects on aquatic and terrestrial insect herbivory of leaves, effects on bee pollination, and development of tadpoles in the presence of Darling 54. These studies showed that Darling does not pose an environmental or plant pest risk. 

Based on this research, ESF requested that the USDA grant Darling non-regulated status. 

To decide whether to grant a petition for nonregulated status, the USDA determines whether the biotech plant poses a “plant pest” risk. The risk assessment process considers whether the plant is more likely than its non-genetically-engineered comparator to become invasive or weedy, to be more susceptible to pests or diseases, or to have greater effects on nontarget organisms. The agency also considers the potential effects of gene flow to wild relatives and other organisms.