GMO testing

Increasing planting figures, global trade routes and varying GMO approval situations in different countries, require intelligent, customised analytical strategies and competent consulting for food, feed or seed producers. Our carefully designed testing programme ensures that your company meets stringent regulations in a timely and efficient manner while keeping your customers safe and reassured.

Key services

  • GMO screening
  • GMO identification
  • GMO quantification
  • Non-GMO labelling

Services for food, feed and seed

Analytical services of Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories cover the full range of testing from screening and identification to the precise quantification of trace components. Shortest standard turnaround times as well as express services (even same day results) are available.

The classical analytical strategy is based on three steps:

1. GMO screening – Faster and cost-efficient detection of multiple GMOs

GMO analysis strategies generally start with qualitative screening, which can reliably determine whether or not a GMO is present. Comprehensive screening methods are essential, especially for producers wishing to market their products with a "GMO-free" label.

2. GMO identification – Securing the marketability of products

Many regions have 0% tolerances or tolerance thresholds for non-approved GMOs. Asynchronous approval situations, where a GMO is authorised for commercialisation in one country and not in another, can lead to problems with the marketability of products containing even traces of this GMO. It is therefore important to understand the GMO approval situation in the country of origin of the raw materials as well as the regulatory situation in the country where the final products will be marketed. 

With the help of specific detection methods, non-approved GMOs can be identified or excluded. Specific qualitative methods are therefore an important aspect of verifying the marketability of raw and processed products.

3. GMO quantification – Is labelling required?

Apart from the approval of genetically modified organisms, the labelling of GMO content above a certain threshold is regulated differently from country to country. In the EU, for example, adventitious and technically unavoidable contamination with approved GMOs up to 0.9% is exempt from labelling. EU Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 requires labelling of GMO presence in food and feed above a threshold of 0.9%. Quantitative GMO detection can be used to determine whether the GMO content of a product is above or below the legal limit.

In feed, non-approved GMOs are tolerated up to a threshold of 0.1%, as long as they meet certain requirements set out in EU Regulation (EC) No. 619/2011. For issues such as these, quantitative analysis is the method of choice for verifying marketability and labelling requirements.

Non-GMO labelling services

Our services for Non-GMO labelling are tailored to the needs of food and feed producers, processors, and retailers. We offer:

  • GMO testing and quantification: PCR-based detection of genetically modified organisms in raw materials, ingredients, and finished products, with a detection limit of up to 0.01%.
  • VLOG-recognised GMO analysis: accredited testing for VLOG-certified companies, compliant with the latest VLOG analytics guidelines
  • Non-GMO Project approved GMO analysis
  • Risk assessment & sampling plans: Tailored risk-based sampling strategies for raw materials, food and feed, aligned with your production processes.
  • Supply chain verification: Documentation and verification of GMO-free status across all stages, from agriculture to processing and distribution.
  • Labelling and compliance consulting: Expert guidance on EU labelling regulations in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, and other countries, as well as support in preparing documents for authorities and retail partners.

Additional services for Non-GMO assurance

Beyond standard testing, we offer a range of complementary services to strengthen your Non-GMO positioning

  • IP-Trust Non-GMO certification, ensuring traceability and integrity throughout your supply chain
  • Feed and livestock compliance in accordance with VLOG and Gentechnik-Durchführungsgesetz requirements
  • Training and Internal Audits
  • Digital Reporting and Data Management via the Eurofins Online Service (EOL).

Our Competence Centre for GMO

From farm to fork: Our GMO testing Competence Centre Eurofins GeneScan GmbH has been providing the food and feed industry with a wide range of different methods for GMO screening, GMO identification and GMO quantification for decades. Our focus is on seed breeding and trade, food and feed production as well as retail, always with the benefit of our customers in mind. Our expertise sets the standard in seed, food and feed analysis with our extensive knowledge and excellent analytical skills. Partner with us to ensure your products meet the highest standards and provide satisfaction to your customers.

 

Legal bases and guidelines

Get in touch

Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need individual analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.

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