The Modular Approach in GMO Quality Control and Enforcement Support Systems

Abstract

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is regulated in most countries of the world. These regulations require adequate enforcement measures and detection of GM materials in food and feed products. Given the diversity of GMO, their detection is a complex, multi-step process requiring the combination and validation of various types of methods. The different analytical steps can be considered independent modules that can be validated separately. This so-called 'modular approach' has been extensively evaluated within the Co-Extra project and the results are summarized here. The need to define intra- and inter-module performance criteria is also discussed.