Food > GMO
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. Many countries have implemented regulations to control the presence of GMOs in food, particularly concerning soy and corn.
The large-scale introduction of GMOs began in the mid-1990s with crops such as soy, corn, cotton, and canola modified to acquire traits not naturally present, like resistance to certain pathogens or the ability to tolerate specific herbicides.
GMOs are now widely used in the food, agricultural, livestock, and medical sectors, including the production of insulin and vaccines.
In Europe, Directive 2001/18/EC regulates the release of GMOs into the environment, defining them as organisms whose DNA has been modified in unnatural ways. Since 2003, Regulations (EU) 1829/2003 and 1830/2003 govern the labeling, traceability, and commercialization of GMO foods and feeds, which may contain, consist of, or be produced from GMOs.
Labeling of foods and feeds must indicate the presence of GMOs if it exceeds 0.9%. A negative analysis does not guarantee the absence of GMOs; food operators must trace GMOs and their derivatives throughout all stages of production and distribution. If the presence of GMOs is below 0.9% and is accidental or technically unavoidable, it need not be indicated, provided operators demonstrate measures taken to avoid it. The same 0.9% threshold applies to organic products.
The “GMO-free” claim on food products is not regulated at the EU level, allowing member states to legislate independently. Some countries, such as Belgium and Sweden, prohibit this labeling. Tolerance levels for accidental and technically unavoidable GMO presence vary depending on the country of origin, regardless of specific legislation.
Guidelines and systems propose voluntary protocols for non-GMO certification, with specific limits for food, feed, and seeds. In Italy, the government does not have a defined position on “GMO-free” labeling. Consequently, many companies and organizations have created voluntary rules to establish specific limits applicable to their food and feed products.
Currently, Real-time PCR is the main technique for GMO analysis, allowing both qualitative and quantitative DNA analysis through the use of oligonucleotides and fluorescent probes specific to certain GMOs. With PCR, a screening test can be performed, targeting DNA sequences common to groups of GMOs, such as the 35S promoter or NOS terminator.
The JRC (Joint Research Center) is the reference entity in Europe for GMO analysis and has approved various reference methods for analyzing numerous GMO events in crops like corn, soy, cotton, rice, canola, potatoes, and beets.
GMO Analysis and Analytical Services
Analytical offers advanced GMO analysis and screening services, focusing on specific identification and quantification of GMO events through quantitative real-time PCR. This service is available for different food, plant, and feed matrices containing ingredients derived from GMO plants.
Moreover, our laboratory is equipped with a Tan Bead extractor and a RIDA®CYCLER PCR cycler, high-precision instruments, to ensure accurate and reliable results.
GMO Analysis for Cotton
Our new GMO screening service for cotton provides advanced tests to detect the presence of genetically modified cotton in fabric samples. This offers a significant advantage for producers, brands, and retailers, enhancing supply chain transparency.
This project responds to the growing consumer demand for sustainable clothing. As a result, organic cotton production has increased, leading to more certifications for finished garments, such as the GOTS Certification.
Organic cotton requires cultivation without genetically modified seeds, chemical pesticides, and fertilizers. Therefore, we have developed a service that, through specific tests, verifies if the fabrics are free from GMO contamination.
Our screening provides clear and immediate answers, indicating whether the final products contain GMOs. This tool is essential to ensure the integrity of organic and sustainable products on the market.
Our cutting-edge technologies and commitment allow us to provide tailored and comprehensive support.
