Our expertise

National Reference Laboratory for genetically modified organisms

In relation to the labelling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), EU legislation stipulates that relevant information concerning any genetic modification in food and feed be fully traceable (Directive (EC) 2001/18, and Regulation (EC) 1830/1997). EC regulation No 1829/2003 specifies that food products which contain GM material must be clearly labelled. Currently, materials that are produced under an identity-preserved scheme must be labelled if the level from EU approved GM varieties exceed a 0.9% threshold for adventitious contamination. These threshold values refer to the proportion of GM food in any single ingredient of a foodstuff (determined gravimetrically) and are not in relation to the total mass of the entire food product.

LGC was appointed the UK National Reference Laboratory for genetically modified organisms in March 2009. LGC’s appointment by the Food Standards Agency on behalf of the European Commission is under Regulation (EC) 882/2004, which aims to remove variation in the monitoring and enforcement of feed and food law. As the National Reference Laboratory for GMOs LGC is expected to:

Maintain an archive of control materials used to identify GM material.
Provide expert and impartial advice to the Competent Authority (FSA) and Official Control Laboratories in relation to best practice in GM analysis, practical matters associated with GMOs, EU activities, and how to access relevant information on GMOs.
Keep the UK network of Official Control Laboratories abreast of new and emerging national and international GM issues and legislation.
Train analysts in the most applicable strategies for analysing GM material, as well as contribute to and help co-ordinate any national validation plans for the detection of GM material between Official Control Laboratories.
Assist the EU-RL in relation to testing and validating methods for the detection of new GMO varieties, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1829/2003.
Provide scientific and technical assistance to the FSA for the implementation of co-ordinated control plans if required
If appropriate, organise comparative tests between the Official Control Laboratories and ensure an appropriate follow-up of such comparative testing.

Activities

During 2009 and 2010 the NRL for GMO has taken part in the following activities

Contribution to discussions on ISO Technical Specification ISO/TS 21098:2005
Participation at the 11^th ENGL plenary session in Italy (April 2009)
Participation at the first NRL GMO workshop in Italy (May 2009)
Provided expert advice to the Competent Authority (FSA) in relation to GM analyses and sampling
Validation of methods for the detection of new GMO varieties according to Regulation (EC) 1829/2003
Input into reviewing RASFF (Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed)
Provided expert advice to Official Control Laboratories on the use of certified reference materials.
Provided expert advice to the FSA in relation to sampling for GM CDC Triffid Flax FP967
Distributed protocol for the detection of GM CDC Triffid Flax FP967 to UK Official Control Laboratories
Implemented the practical test for detection of GM CDC Triffid Flax FP967 to qualify its “fitness for purpose”
Provided advice to the FSA on a sampling approach proposed by the Canadian Authorities for detection of GM CDC Triffid Flax FP967
Participated at the 12^th ENGL plenary session / 2^nd NRL workshop in Italy (Dec 2009)

Reports

For reports and relevant links click here.