18/12/2009
Two new sets of GMO matrix reference materials have been released by the
JRC-IRMM:
ERM-BF427 (for 98140 maize)
The ERM-BF427 series contains four certified reference materials (CRMs) with
different concentrations of 98140 maize. The CRMs are certified for their mass
fraction of 98140 maize and are intended to be used for the quality control of
quantitative measurements.
The 98140 maize carries the unique identifier DP-O9814O0-6 and is engineered
to express two new genes: the gat4621 gene isolated from Bacillus
licheniformis that confers tolerance to glyphosate herbicide and the Zea mays
hra gene produced by modifying the Zea mays als gene that provides tolerance
to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides.
The four reference materials were prepared by mixing gravimetrically GM and
non-GM maize seed powders. The resulting GM percentages were confirmed by
real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis after DNA extraction from
the powders. The preparation and certification of ERM-BF427a, ERM-BF427b,
ERM-BF427c and ERM-BF427d according to ISO Guide 34 are described in detail in
the
certification report (
).
ERM-BF428 (for cotton event GHB199)
The series of GMO matrix reference materials for the event GHB119 cotton
(ERM-BF428) consists of three different mass fractions levels of GHB119 cotton
seeds with a nominal value of 0; 10 and 100 g/kg. Genetically modified cotton
(Gossypium hirsutum) event GHB119 carries an insect resistance and
glyphosinate ammonium herbicide tolerance.
The ERM-BF428 material was prepared by mixing gravimetrically GM and non-GM
cotton seed powders. The resulting GM percentages were confirmed by real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis after DNA extraction from the
powders. The preparation and certification of ERM-BF428a, ERM-BF428b and
ERM-BF428c according to ISO Guide 34 is described in detail in the
certification report ().
About GMO reference materials
Legislation in the European Union requires labelling of food and feed products
containing more than 0.9 % GMOs, provided the GMO has been authorised in
Europe. Consequently, certified reference materials are required for the
quality control of GMO measurements carried out by GMO testing laboratories.
Consult JRC-IRMM's
online catalogue.
