Biochip Detects Genetically Modified Organisms in Food

A method has been developed that reliably tests for both genetically modified organisms (GMOs) currently approved by the European Union (EU) and non-approved GMOs.

Hamburg biotech supplier Eppendorf Biochip Systems GmbH (Germany) has produced an effective system based on the detection of specific DNA elements used only in GMO plants The advantage of the biochip method compared to conventional tests is that it can detect numerous individual elements of one gene library simultaneously. The specific patterns are located on the biochip, where they are visualized and evaluated by means of matching software.

During recent weeks, consumer protectionists have discovered non-approved, genetically engineered LL601 rice in German and other European supermarkets. This has now been confirmed by official food control authorities. Similar reports were released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which recently has also found illegal genetically modified rice of the same variety on the shelves of supermarkets in the United States.

"Frequently, time-consuming laboratory tests are the only means of differentiating food contamination. The laboratories must know which genetic modifications they are looking for in the bulk of hereditary substance. The non-approved LL601 variety can be detected with our test procedure,” said Dr. Sven Bülow, managing director of Eppendorf Biochip Systems. "Right now, our test is already capable of detecting about 60 % of all GMOs known in literature.”



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