Friday, July 6, 2007
GMO Tests MethodsGMO testing methods currently available fall into 3 categories.
1.
Herbicide Bioassay is used to test for genetic traits that provide resistance to herbicides such as those found in Roundup Ready™ and Liberty Link™ soybeans and some corn hybrids.
With this test, seed is germinated on media containing the herbicide or sprayed with the herbicide. If the seedling exhibits certain characteristics or dies, it is considered non-GMO. GMO seedlings continue to grow normally. This test can take five to 10 days depending on the specific trait.
2.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorb-ent Assay (ELISA) testing uses an antibody to find the targeted GMO in Roundup Ready soybeans and Bt corn. If found, the antibody reaction causes a color change. This test takes a few hours for a batch of 50 samples and produces quantitative results.
A portable version of this test uses lateral flow strips to test individual seeds or complete truck samples. Similar in technique to a pregnancy test, results can be obtained in five minutes, suppliers claim.
3.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) allows direct analysis of DNA to detect the presence of GMOs in grain or food products, even when they are present at very low levels. PCR is considered the most sensitive GMO test. A PCR test takes two to three days.
References:
http://www.tepnel.com/ag_bio_and_food_testing/gm_foods.asphttp://www.grainnet.com/articles/GMO_Testing_Services-7341.htmlhttp://www.oregon.gov/ODA/LAB/gmo_glossary01.shtml#ELISA
6:48 PM;
