All living organisms, animals, plants, and microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) carry copies of all their genes in their cells. These genes hold information that determines the particular form and function of the organism.

Certain characteristics of an organism can be attributed to certain genes or combinations of genes. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), therefore, are organisms whose genes have been artificially modified to alter their characteristics in some way. 

For example, medicinal products such as insulin, blood factor VIII, and human growth hormone had previously been produced from humans and animals, and some carried a slight risk of transmitting disease. Now with the use of GM technology, pure and safe equivalents can be produced using GMOs, and industrial scale quantities are possible by growing such modified bacteria on a large scale in fermenters.

Genetic modification is the process of changing the genetic material of an organism by a method not found in nature. Usually, GM involves isolating and removing DNA encoding a single gene from an organism, manipulating it outside the cell (in the laboratory), and reinserting it into the same organism or into another organism's genetic material. The purpose of GM is usually to introduce a new or modified trait to the target organism.

NON GMO tests should be carried out in advanced laboratories with relevant accreditations, necessary approvals. These accredited laboratories perform PCR testing and must have ISO 17020 accreditation for the relevant tests in accordance with standards and criteria. The test is required on all high-risk crops and should be performed on intact material such as soybeans used to produce soy lecithin.

It should be verified whether the laboratory that will perform the NON GMO test has the specific ISO 17020 accreditations required for the validation of a particular product. For example, some laboratories may be accredited for PCR testing of maize but not accredited for testing other crops.

Our NON GMO and GMO Free tests offered by our organization are carried out in laboratories with all necessary accreditations, state-of-the-art technology and expert team. 

Using the latest methods and technologies, we provide fast turnaround times and accurate test results that demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. The test determines the amount of GMOs present in the sample. We use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based testing methods and apply stringent controls to effectively eliminate false positives and negatives. This test can be submitted after samples have tested positive for GMOs or can be used as the primary testing method if desired.

Our NON GMO tests can help ensure it meets all national and international controls. The method we use is a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology that quantifies the GMOs present in your feed samples. This gives you the independent verification you need to trade safely with countries that identify non-GM products.

• DNA-based qualitative GMO screening (seed samples): This test is used to confirm the absence or presence of genetically modified plant material in a seed or plant tissue sample. The test uses a combination of two specific PCR tests targeting these genetic elements: the cauliflower mosaic virus (CMV) 35S promoter and the nos terminator. Using this test, the vast majority of genetically modified plant varieties currently in commercial production worldwide can be detected.
• DNA-based qualitative GMO screening (food samples): When analyzing processed foods, it can be difficult to detect material from genetically modified plants because it degrades during the production process. For example, protein-based detection methods are not suitable because the food production process can destroy protein derived from any genetically modified ingredient. However, we use the most advanced DNA analysis techniques to detect the presence of GM events. Such events may be present in the DNA of processed foods, including bread, flour, soy milk, tofu, and vegetable oils. After extracting DNA from these products, we use a combination of two specific PCR assays targeting these genetic elements: the CMV35S promoter and the nos terminator. DNA-based quantitative PCR testing uses standards to determine GMO levels from 0,01 percent to 5 percent. Samples are tested by real-time PCR, which determines specific DNA levels over a period of 40 cycles.

Our GMO testing laboratories operate under strict guidelines and are accredited to ISO 17020 and ISO 9001. Our state-of-the-art laboratory consists of expert scientists and technicians, and all our laboratories use international methods.

Do not hesitate to contact our expert team for detailed information about GMO Free and NON GMO tests and certification or to apply for certification.