Genetically modified organisms (GMO)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Increasing cultivation numbers, international trade routes, different approval situations and the consumer’s desire for food without genetically modified organisms (GMOs) require precise analytics for their detection.

The first genetically modified crops have been grown commercially since 1995 – there are now hundreds of GMO plants. Soya, cotton, maize and rapeseed are among the most widely grown GMO crops in the world. These plants are mainly found in animal feed. When it comes to food, it is often only the processed products of GMO plants that are used, such as fats, oils and starch.

The labelling and authorisation of genetically modified organisms varies in many countries. In the EU, Regulations (EC) No. 1829/2003 and No. 1830/2003 of 2004 stipulate that authorised GMOs in food and feed must be indicated on the label Food and feed that do not exceed a limit of 0.9% of genetically modified ingredients are exempt from labelling. For unauthorised GMOs, on the other hand, there is low or zero tolerance in many countries and regions.

Detection of GMOs

SureFood^® GMO product range from CONGEN offers rapid real-time PCR methods for screening, detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms.

The basis for sensitive detection is purified nucleic acid extracts. These can be obtained via automated extraction or column purification. For this purpose, CONGEN offers a selection of suitable and validated extraction kits.

GMO analysis begins with screening for genetic elements. For a quick and reliable analysis of the presence of GMOs, we recommend the use of the GMO SCREEN kits. To facilitate the identification of GMO events, the SureFood^® GMO PLANT kits can be used to determine the plant species. Based on the screening results and knowing the plant species, certain GMO events can be included or excluded. Samples tested positive by screening must then be confirmed event- or construct-specific. GMOs can be identified or ruled out with the specific SureFood^® GMO ID detection methods. Since there is zero tolerance in the EU for genetically modified food and feed with a pending safety assessment, qualitative evidence is sufficient.

Quantification of GMOs

According to EU Regulation No. 619/2011, traces of 0.1% of unauthorised GMOs are permitted in animal feed. In addition, food and feed containing authorised genetically modified organisms above a threshold of 0.9% per ingredient must be labelled. These thresholds are verified by quantifying the specific GMO event with the SureFood^® GMO QUANT kits. The GMO QUANT kits contain two PCR systems, one detection and one reference system, with which relative quantification is carried out. The copy number of the extracted sample DNA and the positive control are determined with a standard straight line. The relative GMO content is calculated via the ratio of the GMO detection gene to the reference gene.

Available test kits