Towards metrologically traceable and comparable results in GM quantification

The GM content in a food or feed product produced from or containing genetically modified organisms (GMO) has to be expressed in Europe in the form of a GM mass fraction. However, the most widely used quantification methods, based on PCR, are basically counting PCR-amplifiable DNA fragments in a sample extract. This paper outlines the requirements for obtaining comparable measurement results which are fit for regulatory decision-making. It introduces the concept of a reference measurement system which enables GMO analysis laboratories to relate their results to a universally accessible reference, thus establishing metrological traceability to a unique reference point. The conversion factors required for transforming data from one measurement unit into the other have to carry a minimum uncertainty and are anchored to specified certified reference materials. The establishment of such conversion factors and related calibration approaches to achieve comparable GM quantification results are sketched.

CORBISIER Philippe;  EMONS Hendrik; 

2019-02-25

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

JRC113013

1618-2642 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC113013,   

10.1007/s00216-018-1457-0 (online),