The biological pathogen federal authorities accuse two Chinese nationals of smuggling into the U.S. was not likely an act of "agroterrorism," according to experts.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA would roll out a new initiative in the coming weeks to shore up American food security after the arrests of Chinese nationals accused of attempting to smuggle a fungus into the U.S., one that could be misused as an agroterrorism weapon.

Scientist from China charged with smuggling dangerous fungus into US. What to know about agroterrorism and biological pathogen Fusarium graminearum.

Federal prosecutors have charged two Chinese researchers with smuggling a crop-killing fungus into the U.S. last summer

The proposed legislation aims to create a new criminal offense for importing, transporting, or possessing unauthorized high-risk agricultural biological agents. Violators could face up to 20 years in prison.

As the investigation continues into Chinese nationals accused of smuggling biological material into the U.S., a researcher at Michigan State University hopes the public doesn’t lose sight of ongoing efforts to keep our food supply safe.

After two Chinese "bioterrorism" suspects were arrested this week for allegedly smuggling a toxic, crop-killing fungus into the U.S., an expert called for drastic action.

The Chinese researcher accused of helping smuggle a potentially devastating crop-killing fungus into the US will remain in custody until she retains private counsel, according to reports.