GMO testing to comply with French decree n°2012-128
By Dr. Andreas Pardigol, Eurofins Analytics France
In 2011, EU regulation 619/2011 introduced a maximum 0.1% tolerance threshold applicable for certain GMOs in feedstuffs. The same threshold has also been adopted by French decree n°2012- 128, which came into force on 1st of July 2012, defining the requirements for "GMO-free" labelling.
Screening tests can still be considered as useful analytical tools for products with very low GM risk. However, this testing strategy becomes obsolete for products which are frequently tested as positive for the following reasons:
- Some GMOs authorised in the EU contain neither P35S nor TNOS sequences targeted by screening methods. Such screening tests are therefore not adequate, especially for soy, where it is necessary to use additional tests.
- Qualitative or quantitative screening methods cannot distinguish between GMOs authorised or tolerated at the 0.9% or 0.1% levels.
- Positive screening results need confirmation by specific tests. This generates additional cost and time for reporting of test results.
The new regulatory situation, in combination with the recent authorisation of GMOs undetectable by P35S and/or TNOS screening, has led Eurofins to develop a new testing strategy called "MultID" next to other multiplex identification methods. These are based on specific multiplex PCR tests which allow for direct and unambiguous detection and identification of corn and soy GMOs, authorised and/or tolerated in Europe at the 0.9% or 0.1% threshold.
The new offers "MultID Corn" and "MultID Soy" can specifically identify several GMOs in a single test, where multiple assays were necessary in the past to obtain the same result. In addition, "DeltaQuant" is a novel economic and reliable tool for direct quantification of Roundup Ready® soybean (GTS 40-3-2) and as a follow-up analysis for quantification of a broad range of GM corn.
Apart from the compliance with French decree n°2012-128, this offer can also be used in the framework of other GMO regulations requiring 0.1% or 0.9% threshold labelling. It is available throughout the Eurofins network.
Contact: GMOTestingFr@eurofins.com
