QuickScan Approved for Non-GMO Program Monitoring

We are pleased to report that the EnviroLogix QuickScan System is an approved method for monitoring GMOs in corn, soy, alfalfa, and canola to satisfy the NSF True North Non-GMO Standard.

Click here for the official confirmation letter from NSF.

The QuickScan System is approved for testing commodities destined for human consumption and animal feed.

Users of the QuickScan System for non-GMO verification cite the system’s speed, simplicity, and real time results as distinct advantages over traditional PCR analysis.

About NSF International

NSF International’s Consumer Values Verified team offers a suite of GMO services, including Non-GMO Project verification and certification to NSF’s Non-GMO True North program. These programs cater to consumers who want to know if the food they are purchasing contains genetically modified organisms.  NSF helps businesses certify their products as non-GMO, and their partners include companies all along the food chain including producers, manufacturers, retailers and restaurants. To learn more about non-GMO certification services from NSF International, click here.

 

2017 MOSES Conference – non GMO Testing

EnviroLogix, a global leader in the development and commercialization of GMO detection technology, is excited to showcase GMO testing products at the 2017 MOSES Conference for Organic Farming. To deliver a USDA certified organic, non-GMO project verified food product to the marketplace, the GMO status of high risk grain based ingredients must be confirmed. This process is known as identity preservation. EnviroLogix develops and manufactures test kits that allow various stakeholders to manage the identity preservation process by testing various types of seed or grain as it moves through the supply chain.

According to the Organic Trade Association, GMOs are prohibited from USDA certified organic products. This means that farmers can’t plant GMO seed, use any GMO containing ingredient in an organic food product, or even feed organic cows GMO alfalfa or corn. The USDA’s organic regulations require that farmers and processors prove that their product is GMO free if suspected of contamination. EnviroLogix has stepped up to help organic farmers prosper by developing and manufacturing accurate, rapid GMO testing kits.

EnviroLogix offers comprehensive GMO detection of bulk ground corn and bulk ground soybean samples. These GMO tests are marketed as QuickCombs for corn or soy. QuickCombs are point of need tests that provide quantitative results using the QuickScan reader. The QuickScan paired with a QuickComb is a great way to confirm the non GMO status of bulk corn or soy samples. Additionally, QuickCombs can be used to screen out the presence of GMOs in seed lots thereby reducing the risk that an organic grower is planting a GMO contaminated seed lot. For the organic cow or alfalfa producers out there EnviroLogix also offers a test kit for alfalfa hay and for alfalfa leaf and seed. To see these products first hand and to learn more about how EnviroLogix can help your non GMO testing efforts please visit booth #140 at the 2017 MOSES conference. Can’t wait to learn more about EnviroLogix’ products? Contact us today!

Thanksgiving in Budapest at the Danube Soya Congress

Delegates from the Danube Soya Congress and industry experts will discuss a sustainable and successful European protein supply in the heart of the Danube Region – in Budapest. Join the discussion on November 24-25 at the Sofitel, where more than 350 participants from all parts of Europe are expected to attend.

On the agenda:

  • discuss the present state and future of the European protein supply
  • draw conclusions from the last years
  • participate in scientific and practical workshops

EnviroLogix is honored to be participating in Danube Soya Congress 2016 as the leading provider of rapid GMO testing, with a complete portfolio of GMO detection solutions backed by the knowledge and experience of industry experts. Do you have questions about GMO testing or non-GMO certification requirements? EnviroLogix has the answers. Contact us with your questions today!

Increased Demand Drives New GMO Testing Technology

A recent article in The Organic & Non-GMO Report described the increased interest in non-GMO (genetically modified organism) labeling, which is driving the increased demand for faster, cheaper and more accurate GMO testing technology.

More food companies are getting their products verified as GMO-free to meet consumer demand and the new national GMO labeling law. Non-GMO verification is based on testing. This testing ensures that the GMO content in food ingredients is below the acceptable threshold, as defined by non-GMO verification programs like the Non-GMO Project and NSF’s True North Program. The most common threshold of acceptance for GMO content is 0.9%, which is consistent with the threshold for GMO labeling in Europe, although the Non-GMO project does have different thresholds for seed and animal feed.

Current GMO Testing Technology

There are two widely-used methods for GMO detection. Lateral flow devices, or LFDs, detect proteins on a test strip and are most often used on-site due to their ease of use and rapid results. In contrast, PCR is performed in a laboratory. It detects the DNA of a genetically modified trait, and is the current “gold standard” test method because of its sensitivity and precision and ability to detect GMOs in processed foods. However, PCR testing does have its drawbacks. It can take up to three days and is costly, especially compared to LFD testing.

Currently, many companies use both testing methods. LFD strips are often used to screen incoming commodities for GMOs and then PCR testing is used to quantify the amount of GM presence. According to Jamie Welch, a scientist at EnviroLogix, “the two systems work well in conjunction [but] both have benefits and drawbacks.”

New GMO Testing Technology

There are new testing technologies on the horizon. With more consumers demanding to know what is in their food, and GMO labeling laws being passed, more food manufacturers are taking a closer look at their suppliers and asking for assurance that their materials are non-GMO compliant. It is critical that GMO testing be easy, affordable and fast to keep pace with the needs of the global  food supply chain.

EnviroLogix developed a rapid molecular-based testing platform called DNAble. It is similar to PCR, but faster and much less expensive. It is so easy to use that testing can be performed on-site in a matter of minutes.

“It does what PCR does but with a crude sample and in less than 10 minutes,” says Dean Layton, a Senior VP at EnviroLogix, “anyone that has a basic lab setup but needs real time point-of-need answers could benefit from it.”

 

 

Photo credit: The Organic & Non-GMO Report