The first-ever scientific method for detecting GMOs from new genomic editing techniques (known as industry screening techniques) has been successfully developed and published following a peer review, announced Greenpeace, and other NGOs advocating GM-free food, together with a food retailer on Monday 7 September.
The method detects genetic modifications of a herbicide-tolerant oilseed rape variety (Cibus oilseed rape) that was developed through genomic editing.
This refutes claims made by the biotechnology industry and some regulators that new GM crops are indistinguishable from similar non-GM crops, meaning they cannot therefore be regulated and labelled.
The EU Court of Justice ruled in 2018 that new GMOs do fall under EU legislation regarding conventional GMOs (see EUROPE 12070/6).
“We have shown that it’s possible to detect genetically modified crops that have been created using genetic editing. There are no longer any excuses for not applying existing safety and GMO labelling requirements to these new GMOs”, commented Franziska Achterberg from Greenpeace.
“Those in favour of deregulating these new selection methods have now been deprived of one of their main arguments”, said Martin Haüsling MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany). He is advocating for the rapid development of similar detection methods for other plants.
According to Heike Moldenhauer, the European Policy Advisor at the German association of Food without Genetic Engineering (VLOG), “this new detection method is an important step forward in protecting consumers and businesses within the EU. Authorities are now able to start to identify unauthorised GM crops. This will assist beekeepers, farmers, breeders, feed and food processors and retailers in keeping these new GMOs out of their supply chains, thereby meeting consumer demand for GM-free food”.
To read the scientific article in English: https://bit.ly/3bDFjEG (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)