Biotechnological Hub of the NIB (BTH-NIB)

The purpose of the investment project BTH-NIB is the assurance of the appropriate infrastructural conditions for the use of research and developmental opportunities in the fields of operation of the NIB.

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21 Nov
Publication of How to Reliably Test for GMOs

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Researchers of the National Institute of Biology were invited to write a book on GMO detection in the series Springer Briefs in Food, Health and Nutrition, because of their international recognition and many years of experience in GMO testing, development of real-time PCR methods, implementation of quality system requirements, validations and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. They invited the colleagues from the European Union Joint Research Centre which hosts the European Union Reference Laboratory for GM Food and Feed and chairs the European Network of GMO Laboratories to join the authorship.

The detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is becoming very complex, with new GMOs, approved and unapproved, constantly entering world markets. Traceability and labelling of GMOs is defined in regulations worldwide, demanding accurate and reliable testing to support the requirements of legislation.

This Brief provides the current state-of-the-art on all key topics involved in GMO testing and is a source of detailed practical information for laboratories. Special focus is given to qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR analysis relevant to all areas where detection and identification rely on nucleic acid-based methods. The following topics, important for testing laboratories, are also discussed: organization of the laboratory, focusing on aspects of the quality system and methods for testing, validation and verification of methods, and measurement uncertainty. The Brief also discusses the new challenges of GMOs and novel modified organisms, using new technologies, and the possible solutions for GMO detection, including bioinformatics tools. Finally, legislation on GMOs and sources of information on GMOs are provided, which are relevant not only to testing laboratories, but to anyone interested in GMOs.

First book in the Series Springer Briefs in Food, Health and Nutrition, authors, Žel, J., Milavec, M., Morisset, D., Plan, D., Van den Eede, G., Gruden, K.: How to Reliably Test for GMOs can be ordered on Springer and on Amazon.
Cover of the book
Comparison of GM insect resistant and non-GM maize

Cover of the book Illustration by dr. Zdravko Podlesek