GMO Testing
Eurofins offers tests to detect, identify, and quantify authorised and non-authorised GM products and ingredients
What Is GMO?
A 'Genetically Modified Organism' (GMO) means an organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.
A large number of plants used in food production now have genetically modified forms: corn, soya, rapeseed, cotton, etc… European legislation has only authorised certain varieties of for use in food and animal feed. Products made from these plants can enter into the manufacture of thousands of different foodstuffs such as breakfast cereals, confectionary, chocolate, meat products, cooked dishes and animal feed.
The European regulations EC 1829/2003 and EC1830/2003 define the rules for the use of GMO. These standards regulate the labelling of all food products containing transgenic material.
How To Detect And Quantify GMO
Detection, identification and quantification of Genetically Modified Or ganisms are based on the PCR technique (Polymerase Chain Reaction).
This technique can identify the specific genetic sequences of DNA from raw materials contained in the sample. DNA is considerably more stable than proteins and therefore particularly suited for GMO detection in transformed manufactured goods and especially products that have been cooked or undergone other thermal treatment.
The analysis either identifies the regulatory sequences (for example the promoter p35S or terminator tNOS) present in most GM varieties authorised or in process of authorisation, or targets specific genes of a transgenic variety.
Eurofins has extensive experience in sample preparation of complex materials, GMO testing with qualitative and quantitative PCR and pro vides consulting for the choice of the best analytical approach for each product, taking into account the geographical origin and specific needs of the customer.
Our laboratories are accredited according to ISO 17025 and comply with the high standards of our internal quality management systems.
Our Offer Includes
An overall screening package for the detection and quantification of the sequences present in most GMOs
Specific analyses to identify and quantify the GM varieties their presence in the products
Semi-quantitative and quantitative tests for p35S and tNos sequences which can include several reference standards corresponding
to the customers needs. These tests are particularly suited for routine analysis of maize (corn) grain, seed and flour
Each stage of the analysis is carried out in separate rooms to avoid all risk of contamination. A rigorous quality policy and suitably equipped laboratories ensure optimum reliability of the analyses.
The Reference Of The Industry
With the integration of the AgroGene and GeneScan laboratories, an unparalleled pool of knowledge and expertise in the field of an Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) analysis and consultancy is held at Eurofins. Eurofins can provide clients with a unique service in the fields of GMO analysis, GMO kits, contion / Traceability programmes including audits.
State-of-the-art methods which over years have proved to be robust and reliable and a unique knowledge of the GMO market situation have made Eurofins the global market leader in GMO analysis..
Eurofins furthermore is qualified for method validation according to the requirement of the JRC / CRL (Joint Research Centre / Community Reference Laboratory): prior to its authorisation in the European Union, a new GM variety needs to have a detection method that is validated and approved by the European Commission before being published by the JRC / CRL. Eurofins can provde corresponding validation services for its customers.
5 Reasons For Choosing Eurofins
- Leading global supplier of bio analytical services
- A unique international presence including 6 molecular biology laboratories in France, Germany, Brazil and the USA
- Short delays and high flexibility
- ISO 17025 accreditation for raw materials as well as for processed products and a strict quality program
- Recognised experts and involvement in the relevant standardisation committees