COMMISSION ON FOOD CHEMISTRY (VI.5)
Number: 650/93/97
Title: Validation of a screening method for the detection of
genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food
Coordinator(s): E.
Anklam and M. Miraglia
Remarks: Interaction with Commission of the European Union.
Members of the Working Party: J. Gilbert, B. Popping, M. Lipp and R.
Brodmann.
Completion Date: 1999 - project completed
Objective:
To validate an analytical screening method for the detection of genetically
modified organisms (GMOs) in various food matrices. In the initial phase
corn and soy bean flour will be analysed. The second phase will include
other food matrices such as potatoes and tomatoes. The standard operating
procedure (SOP) is available and a video on the method will be completed
in October/November 1997. Collaborative study participants have been
identified and informed and the test material for the initial phase
is in preparation. The collaborative study network and the findings
of the study will be used to develop more sensitive and specific control
procedures.
The GMO subject is one of the strongest consumer concerns to-date and
there is an urgent need for a screening method that has been validated
in an international collaborative study. The collaborative study method
is based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and is written in a standard
format. A successful validation of the method will provide control laboratories
the means to detect GMOs in foods and check compliance with labelling.
Progress:
project completed - a report entitled 'IUPAC collaborative trial
study of a method to detect genetically modified soy beans and maize
in dried powder' is published in JAOAC International, 1999, 82(4),
923-928.
Last Update: 16 June 2000