GMO reference materials

According to the EC regulations food or food ingredients containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in concentrations above 0.9% must be labelled appropriately. According to Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 (icon) it is necessary to accurately and clearly identify food products that have been produced using genetically modified ingredients and to determine the concentration of GMOs – an obligation that can only be fulfilled using certified reference materials.

Since 1997, GMO certified reference materials for various GM events in maize and soybeans have been produced at IRMM. Research into the production procedure has resulted in major improvements, for instance a dry-mixing technique to avoid DNA degradation in ground GMO and non-GMO powders produced from seeds.

The powders can be used for standardisation of GMO measurements commonly based on DNA detection following amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or transgenic protein detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally they are well suited for validation of screening and quantification methods for GM food. Six series of GMO certified reference material powders have been produced all in concentrations from 0 % to 5 or 10 % GMO.

See also:
European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL)
Community Reference Laboratory for GMOs

Requests for development of new GMO reference materials: see services under the reference materials catalogue.



Last Update 10/02/2006