GMO Series part 4: Testing
Testing food products can be both a costly and a lengthy process; therefore, it is important to understand what can be tested, why testing should be done, how it works, and when it is applicable.
As previously discussed, genetic modification is a technique used to change the characteristics of a plant, animal or micro-organism, by transferring a piece of DNA from one organism to another. In the final chapter of our four-part GMO series (click here to read Parts 1-3), we will look at the testing of GMO products.
What can be tested?
When testing for the presence of GMO, both qualitative and quantitative tests can be done.
Typically, qualitative tests will be performed first, to determine if GMOs are present. Thereafter, quantitative tests can be done to determine the level of GMOs present in the product.
How is testing done?
Determining the presence of genetically modified organisms – in processed foods, specifically – may present challenges, as the proteins from the organisms can be degraded during processing.
To overcome these challenges, highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes have been developed. PCR is a DNA-based method that can be used to determine both the qualitative and the quantitative presence of GMOs in foodstuffs.
Other methods are available for GMO testing; however, they may not be sensitive enough to detect if GMOs are present.
When and why should you test?
The recent movement towards GMO-free produce and products has forced legislators to define appropriate labelling and labelling thresholds for GMO-free products. For more information on this, click here to read Part 3 of this series, in which we discuss in detail the regulations pertaining to GMO products.
In order to verify that the information presented on product labels is correct and not misleading to consumers, South African regulations may require that products are tested.
This is the case when a product label states ‘Does not contain GMO’ or ‘GMO-free’; in such cases, the product must be tested to ensure that it contains <1% GMOs.
Consequently, testing is mainly required to ensure that a product complies with the appropriate regulations for import and export.
Thank you for following our GMO series.
We offer facilitated testing for GMOs. Please feel free to contact us if you require assistance.