Food Division Chemistry

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)

Our laboratories offer a complete GMO testing service giving help with our expertise in both the analysis and legislative aspects of GM foods and food products.

The food industry is being asked to provide comprehensive and accurate information on the use of GM ingredients. Many companies are unsure of what tests are applicable to their products and what options are available to them when it comes to GM testing.

Using the latest PCR technology, ILS are able to offer a complete range of testing on both raw materials and finished products.

We provide the following testing services:

• Screening
• Specific Testing
• Quantitative Analysis

Screening can be carried out on varieties of:

• Maize
• Soya
• Canula
• Potato
• Rice

Contact ILS - For further information and competitive pricing on GMO testing and analysis.

GM Food – Genetically Modified Food

Certain food companies are taking genetic (gene’s) material (DNA) from one type of plant or animal and artificially inserting that DNA into the same or another species of plant or animal. This is undertaken to enhance or control certain properties of that particular organism, this could include increased yield or resistance to disease.

Gene’s and DNA are the blueprint or instructions which carry the characteristics of all living organisms. By taking a section of those instructions from one organism and placing it in another we can change the characteristics of the organism.

For centuries humans have been achieving this by the selective breeding of plants and animals. This have given a wide range of domestic plants and animals such as ornamental flowers or the variety of dog breeds, better wheat yields or more wool on sheep.

The traditional methods although targeted are not specific enough to promote rapid or highly specific change. GM allows very specific changes, down to one gene, to occur, this can be turning a gene on or off, or transplanting that gene to give desired characteristics.

The most controversial point is the GM allows the transfer of genes between different species and it is this area which causes the most heated debate as this, by some, is considered as not ‘natural’

GM Foods are monitored for safety by the European Food Safety Authority and other bodies and foods are checked for toxicology, allergic reaction and nutritional properties.

GM Foods can be grouped into the following areas;

1) GM Food crops: For example Maize and Soya which if used must be labelled as containing GMO
2) GM Animals : None are currently EU approved
3) GM Ingredients: These are classed as still having GM DNA retained, these products also have to be labelled as containing GM
4) GM Derived Ingredients: These are classed as having no GM DNA left as it has been processed out of the product and these products do not need to be labelled
5) GM Animal Feed: These products must be labelled as such. The meat from animals fed with GM feed does not retain any useable GM DNA. Animals fed with GM feed do not need to be labelled as such.

Food that consists of or contains GM, that has been intentionally used must be labelled as such, however the law does permit some levels (<0.9%) of approved GM that has ‘accidentally’ been introduced to a food stuff.