GMO testing

Raw materials such as soya, maize and rapeseed may come from genetically modified crops. Producers, importers and retailers need to know whether an ingredient or a finished product contains genetically modified material, either to label it correctly or to back up a non-GMO claim requested by a customer.

What we test

We run a qualitative screening test based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It looks for three sequences found in most authorised genetically modified plants: the 35S promoter, the NOS terminator and the FMV promoter. An internal amplification control confirms, for every sample, that DNA extraction and PCR worked as intended, so that a negative result is a valid result.

A negative result means the target elements were not detected. A positive result indicates the probable presence of genetically modified material. Identifying the specific event and quantifying it are separate steps, which we discuss with you case by case.

Screening is useful at raw material intake, for supplier approval and before launching a product in a market with strict requirements.

Regulatory framework

• Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed;
• Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 concerning the traceability and labelling of genetically modified organisms;
• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.

How we work

Samples are received and prepared in a way that prevents cross-contamination, which is essential in DNA analysis. You receive a test report with the result for each target element. The GMO screening test is RENAR-accredited and is marked as such on the report.