USDA Begins Public Review of Genetically Engineered Soybeans Producing Milk Proteins

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) opened a public comment period on November 12, 2026, concerning a genetically engineered soybean variety developed by Mozza Foods. The MF1786-1 soybean is designed to produce bovine casein proteins in its seeds, introducing a potential new application for soybean biotechnology in the production of dairy-related food ingredients.

APHIS published a draft plant pest risk assessment concluding that the modified soybean is unlikely to present increased plant pest risks compared with its nonmodified counterpart. However, this is a preliminary assessment, not regulatory approval. The review is relevant to agricultural biotechnology developers, soybean producers and businesses exploring alternative food-ingredient production systems. The public comment period runs through January 11, 2027, after which APHIS will evaluate submissions before making a regulatory determination. Commercial availability or future production volumes have not been established by this action.