Comparative Testing Report on the Detection and Quantification of Maize Event NK603 - Comparative testing round: ILC-CRL-GMFF-CT-01/10

Abstract

In the frame of Regulation EC (No) 882/2004, the European Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed has the duty to organise comparative testing rounds and to ensure an appropriate follow-up of these activities. This report describes the outcome of the first comparative testing round ILC-CRL-GMFF-CT-01/10. Participants had to determine the GM content in two test items denoted maize powder level 1 and level 2, containing different GM percentages of maize event NK603. This comparative testing round was organised in collaboration with the Reference Materials Unit and the Food Safety and Quality Unit of the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Geel, BE). The maize event NK603 test items were produced by the Reference Materials Unit. The Food Safety and Quality Unit managed the on-line registration and submission of results. A total of 110 laboratories were invited to participate in ILC-CRL-GMFF-CT-01/10. Five National Reference Laboratories declined participation. Ninety-three results were returned from 84 laboratories from 36 countries, of which 66 were National Reference Laboratories, seven were members of the European Network of GMO Laboratories only and 11 were laboratories from third countries. Two National Reference Laboratories, two European Network of GMO Laboratories only members and one laboratory from a third country did not submit any results. Participants could report the results of the exercise either in mass/mass % or in copy/copy %. The outcome of this first comparative testing round was in general positive with a share of 86-96 % and 94-100 % of participants exhibiting a z-score in the range of -2 to +2 for maize powder level 1 and level 2, respectively.