On the rise of non-GMO certification in China. An interview with Linda Lau, IP Trust Programme Manager at Eurofins Assurance China
Two decades ago, when “non-GMO” was a little-known concept in China, Linda Lau recognised its future potential. With a passion for food safety and supply chain transparency, she joined Eurofins Assurance in China in 2004 as its very first employee. Today, as IP Trust Programme Manager, she reflects on her journey and the growth of non-GMO certification in China.
You were the very first employee of the Eurofins network in China. How did your journey begin?
Linda: My career has grown alongside the rise of non-GMO certification in China. I was with an organic products trading company before a client introduced me to the Eurofins network in 2004. It was also the first time I heard of Eurofins’ Identity Preserved (IP) Trust Certification for non-GMO food and feed. Back then, “non-GMO” was just a vague idea in the Chinese market, but I could see the potential. Later that year, I joined the Eurofins network as the first dedicated employee for non-GMO certification development in China, and the rest is history. My role was truly a one-man band at the beginning — I did everything: client communication, document review, translation, coordination with auditors, and even running sampling onsite. It was demanding but also exciting, because I knew we were building something completely new and meaningful.
Linda's IP training period in Freiburg, Germany, in 2006.
What were the biggest challenges of being the first employee of your kind?
Linda: The biggest challenge was localisation of the IP Trust Programme — adapting international non-GMO standards to China’s unique agricultural systems. I visited fields and factories to understand local practices and regulatory requirements, then worked with our global technical team to transform the programme into one that is both compliant and practical at global and local level. I was also the only technical contact in China, so every issue landed on my desk. I had to learn quickly and manage multiple responsibilities at once. And, of course, I was constantly bridging communication between Chinese clients and Eurofins Assurance’s global teams. Looking back, all these trials have built me a solid technical and managerial foundation, leading to where I am now.
How has Eurofins Assurance — and your own career — grown since those early days?
Linda: In the beginning, we had only one office and a small team. Eurofins Assurance was not even formed at that time! Today, Eurofins has expanded across China with more than a dozen of offices/ laboratories, with an international reputation as a leading food testing network. That level of trust is something we’ve built step by step. Personally, I’ve grown a lot along with the company. I started with executing projects hands-on, then became an auditor, and today I serve as the IP Trust Programme Manager with a focus on strategy, quality, and account development. It has really been a journey from technical detail to strategic leadership.
Can you tell us about your role in the IP Trust non-GMO certification programme?
Linda: My role is to guide clients through the certification process and present the values of the programme to them - opening up new markets, building up customer trust, and differentiating their brands from competitors. I see myself as an essential bridge between clients, auditors, and market demands — helping companies succeed while keeping the process efficient.
Do you have a success case that stands out?
Linda: One of the most memorable cases was with a vitamin E producer. As DNA was destroyed in processing, the client was unable to verify the non-GMO status through conventional finished product testing. However, EU non-GMO regulations require traceable and detectable demonstration of compliance, and this was where IP Trust Programme came in. Leveraging the client’s existing control measures, we first developed and implemented a stringent IP programme that covered their upstream raw materials, such as soybean-derived fatty acids.
GMO testing was arranged on raw materials (when they were still at the detectable stage) before entering the manufacturing process. In parallel, raw materials procurement, transportation and processing was monitored by our team to eliminate adulteration and other potential risks. Segregation and traceability systems were also assessed for robustness by on-site audits to ensure the integrity of the supply chain in non-GMO raw materials. The programme provided the traceability required to support the non-GMO claim, reinforced by proper process control and documentation that were also validated through the IP Trust Programme. With this approach, the client successfully earned the Eurofins Assurance IP Trust certificate and gained EU market access. It was proof that even in the most complex case, a strong certification system works.
What kind of feedback do you hear from customers?
Linda: Customers often regard us as professional, reliable, and agile in finding solutions. Being able to provide timely and practical solutions has always been a winning formula for us. For me, this feedback is the most motivating — it shows that our work isn’t just about certificates but about building lasting partnerships and market confidence.
Looking back, what makes you proudest?
Linda: I’m truly proud that we were able to introduce a completely new concept to China, build it step by step, and have it recognised globally today. Non-GMO certification has become a key element in today’s health-conscious consumer market, and Eurofins Assurance is certainly a leader in the field. For me personally, the journey was purely rewarding. From being the first (and only!) employee doing everything alone to leading a team and shaping strategy — I wouldn't have thought I would achieve this career success 20 years ago!
Starting something from scratch is never an easy task, let alone setting up such a complex programme. Linda’s resilience and determination have brought her to where she now is. If you are interested in understanding how our IP Trust Certification Programme works, check it out here.
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