Lab Services: Genetically Modified Organisms

Ensuring the integrity of your product.

Genetically Modified Organisms

If you're grappling with GMO export regulations and labeling claims, or organic standards, we can help you ensure the integrity of your product through our "GMO Integrity Program." Jodene Jurgens Ph.D., Silliker, Inc. Iowa Laboratory Director

Our GMO solutions will help you understand the legal and scientific aspects of GMOs and how they impact your business.

Consultations and scientific discussions with technical experts on your product, process and client needs. We'll keep you informed of new regulations.
Audits to Monitor your Process and Program. Silliker professionals can help you with your suppliers' product specifications, pinpoint CCPs and potential sources of contamination in processing and evaluate your preventative and control measure.
Testing your product to validate the effectiveness of your preventative measures through "real-time" PCR. This state-of-the-art technology provides two types of results, screening and quantitative using an extraction technique developed by Danone Group, a leading food company in Europe. This extraction technique, coupled with the industry standard technology of real-time PCR, delivers highly sensitive, accurate, and reliable results.

GMOs can be introduced inadvertently into products through various stages of processing. When it comes to protecting the integrity of your product, leave nothing to chance. Read about one company's challenge.

International Regulatory Requirements

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Case Study: GMOs in Odd Places

Silliker Operating Excellence Begins With Laboratory Design

International Regulatory Requirements
Many countries have stringent GMO labeling regulations. More countries are expected to pass tough standards within the next 1-2 years, making it imperative for exporters to stay abreast of international GMO regulations.

Australia and New Zealand-Mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs at or above 1%.

European Union-Mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs at or above 1%.

South Korea-Mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs in the top 5 ingredients at or above 3%.

Japan-Mandatory labeling of food products containing GMOs at or above 5%.

For a more complete table on the current status of labeling guidelines, visit http://www.agbioforum.org.

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We offer Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis for Complex Foods
Silliker GMO Detection Services encompasses both qualitative screening and quantitative analysis of food matrices for GMO events. All detection services are performed using real-time PCR. Combination testing protocols which utilize “if, then” logic can be created to minimize costs while maximizing decision making ability.

Accurate, reliable results are delivered on time through our 24 hour Internet service, Silliker-eSTAR, with rush services available upon request.

Qualitative Testing

Use of 35S promoter and TNOS sequence for qualitative screening
Large sample sizes used for matrices with low levels of intact DNA
Limit of detection (LOD) at 0.01%

Quantitative Testing

Use of specific event probes for quantification
Confirmation of 35S and TNOS presence
Limit of quantification (LOQ) at 0.1%

Detection Protocol

Sample preparation and grinding
Extraction of the DNA using a proprietary method (commercially available DNA binding columns in a nonstandard configuration)
DNA amplification using real-time PCR ABI Prism 7900
TaqMan^® fluorogenic probe

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Case Study: GMOs in Odd Places
Even if you have tight controls on your ingredient sources, you might be surprised to find your product has a GMO contamination problem. This true situation occurred this past year. A major European retailer had a long-standing partnership with a U.S. manufacturer and supplier of upscale deserts. The client informed their supplier of the regulations and the need to verify the level of GMOs in their product to continue shipping to Europe. Since the product had no soy or corn ingredients, the manufacturer was confident there would be no problem. However, when the test results came back, they were shocked. Not only was the product positive, but it was also above the labeling threshold of 1%.

The manufacturer then tested each ingredient using real-time PCR and confirmed the ingredients were negative. After an extensive Identity Preservation investigation, the manufacturer discovered the source of contamination. It was their pan release lubricant, which was soy-based and contained GMOs. After changing their source for the oil, they ran verification tests. When the tests showed they had no GMOs in their product, they resumed shipping product.

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Silliker Operating Excellence Begins With Laboratory Design

Isolation of key steps in separate rooms
Independent air handling systems
Segregation of materials and supplies
Use of positive pressure air flow
ISO 17025 accredited
Exemplary results in proficiency programs and ring trials
Quality parameter batch by batch

Contact us to have your local Silliker representative provide you with a complete GMO Overview for your company.

Take Our Condensed On Line Tour

	Real-time PCR is used in our new state-of-the-art Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Paris, France labs to help companies determine the presence of GMOs in products.
	Once your sample is logged into our computer system, it is ground and homogenized for DNA extraction, and weighed under the fume hood.
	Real-time PCR has been identified as a leading protocol within the European Community, able to detect most commercially available GMOs at very low levels.
	Our GMO method uses an optimized extraction protocol. This method was developed by Tepral, a former Danone laboratory, and offers maximum sensitivity. Contact us to have your local Silliker representative provide you with a complete GMO Overview for your company. [ Return to top ]