EU JRC develops test strategy for unapproved variety of GM-wheat

The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), together with the European Network of GMO Laboratories, has developed a testing strategy that allows the confirmation of the absence of this wheat in grain deliveries of wheat-containing products. It is based upon the combination of validated methods that EU control laboratories already use in their control procedures and that thus can be immediately deployed.

The JRC notes that a detection method has been made available by Monsnato, who developed the GM-wheat concerned (MON 71800), but its necessary verification will take time.

The USDA validated the Monsanto test in June and has concluded that the unapproved genetically modified wheat that was discovered sprouting in Oregon appears to have been “a single isolated incident.”