Rapid Detection Methods for GMOs: Developments and Harmonization in the European Union

Within Europe European Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified (GM) food and feed provides the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, including environment and consumer interests in relation to GM food and feed, whilst simultaneously ensuring the effective functioning of internal markets. It also lays down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision, including provision for labelling, of GM food and feed. A key technical element of the European authorisation procedure, is the provision of an event specific quantitative detection method to facilitate eventual control and monitoring of the GM event in the distribution chain, and, more specifically, to assist labelling of such commodities with respect to the 0.9% threshold value for the recognised possibilities of adventitious or technically unavoidable presence of GMOs (which have benefited from a favourable risk assessment) in otherwise non-GM food or feedstuffs. For this purpose sensitive, event specific methods capable of reliably detecting and quantifying the presence of GMOs with limits of quantification within this threshold are necessary. Further, methods should be officially validated to internationally accepted standards, proven fit for regulatory purpose, and their technical deployment and operation harmonised throughout control laboratories of Member States.

PAOLETTI Claudia;  ERMOLLI Monica;  LANGRELL Stephen;  VAN DEN EEDE Guy; 

2005-12-23

Wageningen Academic Publishers

JRC31780

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC31780,