Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

In recent years the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMO) has greatly increased. GM crops were cultivated in 28 countries worldwide on 134 million hectares in 2014. ifp offers the detection of genetically modified organisms by real-time PCR. This method allows for highly specific, fast and sensitive detections. Even traces below 0.01 % in a single ingredient can be detected.

For more information on GMO see:

GMO legislation in the EU

In April 2004 regulations (EC) no. 1829/2003 and 1830/2003 entered into force. These regulations stipulate labelling the packaging of GMO in food. In addition, a gap was closed by subjecting animal feed to the approval and labelling regulations as well. Products such as milk and eggs from animals that were fed on genetically modified feed are excluded from the labelling regulations.

The regulation also defined a threshold value of 0.9 %. This threshold value is a relative value referring to a particular ingredient in the food. If a food contains an ingredient containing 1 % soy, for example, a maximum of 0.9 % of this share of soy may originate from genetically modified soy.

GMO analysis from screening to quantification

The typical procedure of GMO analysis comprises the following steps:

  • Sample extraction and purification of the DNA samples
  • General screening for the existence of GMO
  • Identification of the GMO in the samples that had a positive screening result
  • Quantification of the identified GMO

The identification and quantification steps are carried out if the result is positive, and after consultation with the client.