Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92000E2143

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/00 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission. JRC and tests for GMO levels.** 
  
*Official Journal 103 E , 03/04/2001 P. 0071 - 0072*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2143/00

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 2000)

Subject: JRC and tests for GMO levels

Is it true that the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is engaged in developing a test for GMO levels in food, given that no such test currently exists?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(8 September 2000)

The availability of validated methods for the detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food samples is a key component for the implementation of Community legislation on novel foods and GMOs.

The Commission's Joint research centre (JRC) is currently co-ordinating a network of laboratories within Member States, which was recently established to develop appropriate analytical methodology for the detection and quantification of GMOs.

Several analytical methods that can be used for detection and also quantification (assessment of levels) of GMOs are already available within these laboratories. The JRC itself has recently validated methods for (a) the screening (detection) of raw(1) and processed materials(2) for the presence of GMOs, (b) the quantification(3) of GMOs from material derived from Round-up® Ready soybeans and BT-176 maize; and (c) the identification (and quantification) of Round-up® Ready soybeans(4). Further validation studies concerning the existing quantitative methods are certainly required as are studies to develop more accurate and sensitive detection methods. Such studies are currently being conducted in a number of laboratories.

The work of the JRC (jointly performed by the Institute for health and consumer protection (IHCP) and the Institute for reference material and measurements (IRMM)) in these areas continues in close collaboration with the network of laboratories from Member States. The validation of a further quantitative method for detection of GMOs is foreseen for autumn 2000.

(1) M. Lipp et al. (1999). IUPAC collaborative trial study of a method to detect the presence of genetically modified organisms in soy beans and maize. J AOAC Int., 82, 923 (1999).

(2) M. Lipp et al. (2000). Validation of a method based on polymerase chain reaction for the detection of genetically modified organisms in various processed foodstuffs. Europ. Food Res. Technol., submitted.

(3) G. Van den Eede et al. (2000). Results of a European validation study of a quantitative method. EUR in print.

(4) M. Lipp et al. (2000). Validation of an immuno-assay for detection and quantitation of a genetically modified soybean in food and food fractions using reference materials: interlaboratory study. J. AOAC, in print.

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