Tag: GMO

GMO Testing Modality Comparison: On-Site QuickCombs and PCR Testing

Posted on by Brian Harris
photo of EnviroLogix’ 10-up GMO Corn QuickComb for QuickScan in solution cup with carboard holder

EnviroLogix’ 10-up GMO Corn
QuickComb for QuickScan

One of the most frequent questions we get asked about our on-site GMO test for corn is why testing in corn requires a 10-up “comb” on inbound testing, but only a 4-assay PCR panel lab test to meet most common compliance standards.

EnviroLogix’ immunoassays detect GMO proteins in grain, whereas our PCR detects the GMO DNA. The table below shows the relationship between our corn comb (10 unique GMO Lateral Flow Device [LFD] strips connected with a bridge for easy handling) and the most commonly tested PCR panel.

Crop science laboratories are now routinely commercializing new traits on a regular basis. To keep your non-GMO operation compliant, EnviroLogix continually updates this table on our website, where you can also find a similar table for soy traits.

Table 1. Immunoassay GMO Trait Proteins and PCR GMO DNA Sequences

QuickScan
10-up Comb		 Cry1 CP4 EPSPS Cry3 Cry1F PAT/pat Cry34 Cry2 mCry3A VIP – eCry3.1Ab
PCR
Standard Panel		 CaMV 35s MIR604 MIR162 GA21 –
photo showing PCR DNA test

PCR DNA Test

If you’re interested in why this works for GMO testing, the answer gets very technical very quickly. The root comes down the biological basis of GMOs. Most modifications add DNA from one organism to a plant’s genome to allow that plant to express a new protein that creates a trait of interest.

For a plant to make a new protein, the added DNA includes both the sequence for the protein, as well as regulatory element sequence that “tells” the plant to turn that protein production on. Those regulatory sequences are often reused in many different GMO traits, which means that some GMOs might create different proteins but they have a common DNA sequence. The most common regulatory sequence used in GMOs and tested by PCR is CaMV 35s, which is a short piece of DNA from cauliflower mosaic virus.

PCR testing is complex and costly. To minimize the amount of testing needed, a CaMV 35s assay is commonly used to detect DNA from many different GMO traits at the same time. Conversely, these sequences cannot be tested by a common immunoassay strip; they are designed for quick screening and trait differentiation, which is why we continue to add more LFD strips to the comb over time.

Figure 1. Relationship between GMO Trait DNA and Expressed GMO Trait Protein
Diagram showing the relationship between GMO traits and GMO proteins from corn

EnviroLogix Launches 10-Trait QuickComb for Corn Bulk Grain

Posted on by Brian Harris

EnviroLogix Inc. offers the world’s most comprehensive, quantitative decision-point screening diagnostic for GMO corn testing with the introduction of the 10-trait QuickComb.

Portland, ME, January 29, 2019 – EnviroLogix Inc. launches the 10-trait QuickComb, now including Duracade™, for corn bulk grain quantitative testing in support of Non-GMO testing programs.

“With the introduction of the industry’s only 10-trait corn comb, EnviroLogix further demonstrates our commitment to customers needing the most comprehensive quantitative decision-point GMO diagnostics for use in the grain handling and processing, animal feed, and export industries,” said Bill Welch, President of EnviroLogix Inc.. “When used in conjunction with our QuickScan II instrument, customers experience the most advanced quantitative solution, along with a traceability system to support claims, using a single test with results in less than ten minutes.”

Duracade, a corn rootworm-resistant trait, has been fully deregulated by the USDA since 2013, and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture granted import approval of corn grain and processing co-products for food and feed use in 2017. More recently, in May of 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive scientific opinion that will now proceed to the Standing Committee of representatives to complete the authorization process of final import approval for the European Union.

Welch continued, “Potential regulatory changes permitting the import of Duracade will increase the number of approved countries from fifteen to more than forty. As a result, the need to segregate corn bulk grain containing Duracade in addition to other commercialized GMO traits, for animal feed markets versus human consumption will increase significantly. The 10-trait QuickComb will facilitate grain segregation for importers and exporters to mitigate disruptions in the global supply chain.”

Along with Agrisure Duracade, the new 10-trait GMO comb from EnviroLogix also detects the following: Roundup Ready®; LibertyLink®; YieldGard® Corn Borer, Rootworm, and VT Pro®; Herculex® I and RW; and Agrisure® RW and Viptera® and various stacks of these traits. GMO traits serve crop growers by expressing proteins that allow the plant to better resist pests and herbicides. The addition of Duracade to the EnviroLogix 10-trait QuickComb enables the most comprehensive, critical decision-point GMO testing where EnviroLogix’ customers need it most.

EnviroLogix Inc. is a leading producer of GMO and mycotoxin tests serving the food and feed safety markets. The company continues to provide innovative solutions as the sole supplier of on-site quantitative GMO protein detection and were the first to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain. EnviroLogix’ dedication to scientific innovation and providing exceptional solutions for today’s identity-preservation and food-safety supply chains remains at the forefront.

For more information about EnviroLogix Inc. and the quantitative GMO 10-trait corn bulk grain test, visit the QuickComb for QuickScan – Corn page.

Mycotoxins in Non-GMO Feed Grains

Posted on by Brian Harris

Eager to supply the growing demand for organically produced milk and meat, many farms are testing corn, soy, and other feed components for GMOs. But what about mycotoxins?

The limited supply of non-GMO organic grains, which we wrote about last time, sometimes forces buyers to accept more broken and imperfect grains…the most susceptible to fungal infestation and possibly the development of mycotoxins, a toxic byproduct of certain fungi.

Some mycotoxins not only reduce yields, but also cause irreparable harm and even death. Whether feeding pigs, cattle, or poultry, mycotoxin testing is crucial to the success and profitability of organic milk and meat production.

For example, pigs are extremely sensitive to mycotoxins; breeding losses and hampered weight gain can reduce margins to the point of non-profitability. Mycotoxins are detrimental to poultry as well, one of the fastest-growing segments of organic demand. With effects such as poor gut integrity and gizzard erosion, broiler, turkey, and egg production margins are at risk.

The U.S. FDA regulates mycotoxin levels in food and feed, but organic producers are limited in their mycotoxin risk management and health prevention tools. By testing frequently along the feed supply chain, farmers, suppliers and producers alike can be confident in the animals’ health and better capitalize on this growing market.

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QuickScan II AOAC certified with DON Flex

Posted on by Brian Harris

121701 EnviroLogix QuickScan DONflexPortland, ME, August 7, 2018 – Portland, Maine. EnviroLogix Inc. is pleased to announce that its newest QuickScan II Reader System (ACC-331) has been certified through the AOAC® Performance Tested Methods℠ Program for use with the DON Flex mycotoxin kit (Cat. No. AQ-304-BG; AOAC® PTM #121701).

QuickScan II SystemThe QuickScan II System is validated for testing commodities destined for human consumption and animal feed.

According to Alex Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at EnviroLogix, “We continue to take our mycotoxin kits and reader systems through the AOAC PTM process to provide our customers with the added confidence that comes with certification from this globally recognized association. EnviroLogix products, including our newest QuickScan II Reader System, offer best in class performance and reproducibility; approval through AOAC helps to bring awareness to this.”

AOAC International (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) is an international association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization. QuickTox StripsAOAC standards are used globally to promote trade and to facilitate public health and safety.

For more information…

  • Learn more about the QuickScan II Reader System (ACC-331).
  • Learn more about the DON Flex mycotoxin kit (Cat. No. AQ-304-BG).
  • Learn more about AOAC International and AOAC certification.

EnviroLogix Announces QuickScan II

Posted on by Brian Harris

EnviroLogix Inc.’s history as a technology innovator for the global agricultural diagnostic markets continues with the introduction of the next generation QuickScan II instrument for quantitative GMO and mycotoxin testing.

Portland, ME, July 9, 2018 – EnviroLogix Inc. launched QuickScan II, the next generation scanner for quantifying GMOs and mycotoxins (such as aflatoxin) for the grain, processing, and feed industries. The QuickScan platform was built for rapid detection of GMOs and mycotoxins in crops critical to the grain, distilling, ethanol processing, livestock feed, and pet food industries.

“With the introduction of the QuickScan II, EnviroLogix is delivering enhanced features and capability to our already best-in-class quantitative GMO and mycotoxin testing platform.” said Bill Welch, President of EnviroLogix Inc.. “Our partnership with the world’s leading seed, grain, animal feed, and pet food providers enables us to uniquely understand their increasing demand for improving operational efficiencies. The QuickScan II provides enhancements to meet these needs on a platform they already know and trust.”

QuickScan II extends the platform’s robust offering to improve operational efficiency. The instrument boasts expanded testing capabilities within a streamlined footprint; bringing exciting new functionality and an expanded test carrier that allows up to 22 tests to be scanned simultaneously, while requiring less space in the testing environment.

As data management needs evolve, QuickScan II enhances the platform’s capabilities for inventory tracking, quality measurement, and offering refined graphics and analytics for better decision making.

Across the markets EnviroLogix serves, the demand for stricter compliance is always rising. To aid in driving compliance, the QuickScan II expands the platform’s functionality, including user authentication, enhanced intelligence for flagging duplicate reads, and maintenance reminders and enforcement.

According to Jason Lee, Senior Business Unit Manager, “QuickScan II offers our customers benefits throughout their organization, making their jobs easier while facilitating improvements in efficiency and traceability; giving added confidence that they’re delivering on their quality standards.”

EnviroLogix Inc. is a leading producer of mycotoxin and GMO tests serving the food and feed safety market. The company continues to provide innovative solutions to its markets and was the first to offer LFD technology for mycotoxin screening in grain. EnviroLogix’s commitment to scientific innovation and providing exceptional solutions for today’s identity-preservation and food-safety environments remains at the forefront with the introduction of QuickScan II.

New GMO Soy Traits

Posted on by Brian Harris

More and more US farmers are electing to plant soybean varieties with multiple modes of herbicide tolerance. Stacking these herbicide traits in soy gives farmers the flexibility to use the most effective chemical tools available to control a broad spectrum of weeds.

In addition to flexibility, the use of multiple herbicides with different sites of action also allows farmers to help control the propagation of herbicide resistant weeds, a major challenge facing the industry. Two new herbicide resistant soybean varieties have been developed and are being released to the US market: Balance GT soybeans and Enlist E3 soybeans. The Enlist E3 soybean is tolerant to the following herbicides: 2,4-D Choline (2,4-D), Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup), and Glufosinate (Liberty). While Enlist soybeans have not received import approval from China, Enlist E3 soybeans have been planted this year in a closed-loop program administered by DOW and ADM for the domestic soy market. Enlist E3 soybeans can be detected with the EnviroLogix LibertyLink (PAT/pat) lateral flow strip included in the bulk soybean QuickComb.

MS Technologies, Bayer, and Mertec LLC have collaborated to develop the Balance GT soybean system. The foreign import permits have been received for this variety but the US EPA has not approved the new herbicide utilized, Isoxaflutole. The Balance GT variety will be a stack of 2mepsps to allow for glyphosate resistance and HPPD w336 which allows for resistance to Isoxaflutole. In 2019 a Balance variety will be released that includes an additional trait allowing for resistance to a 3rd herbicide, Liberty.

What do these new soy varieties mean for organizations involved with the origination of Non-GMO soybeans? The EnviroLogix QuickComb kit for bulk soybeans provides complete trait detection coverage for the 2018 harvest to insure the success of your Non-GMO program.

Questions? Need sampling plan development guidance? Rely on EnviroLogix and its decades of industry support and innovation to insure your success.

 

For more GMO news, check out:

 

 

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Q2’18 Tech Tip from EnviroLogix Tech Support

Posted on by Brian Harris

Sampling

Getting ready for the busy season means planning for how to receive grain. Let’s examine the statistics of grain sampling. When you’re testing a truck or a barge, you unfortunately can’t test every kernel or bean. When you’re testing inbound corn or beans, the best outcome you can have is a fair reading for each particular truck. The goal is for the sample you take to test to be as close as possible to a representation of the truck’s true score. When we accomplish this, the farmer gets their well-deserved premium for the hard work of growing a quality crop, and you can be confident the material you’re moving downstream is of the highest quality and satisfies your customers’ needs. If there are low levels of GMOs or mycotoxins present on that truck, you want to sample enough grain, and from enough places on the truck, to find them.

So, how do we find low levels of GMOs or mycotoxins? In sampling, size matters! If you only sample a small amount from only one corner of the shipment, there’s a very good chance you won’t find them. You’re better off looking at grain from each corner, and even the middle of the shipment. When you’re sampling a truck, take as large a sample as you can reasonably handle. We suggest a 3 to 4-pound sample. If you always look for GMOs or mycotoxins in the same spot in every shipment, you’re far less likely to find them. Make sure you are probing 3 to 7 different spots with your hydraulic probe. See the diagram at right for examples.

Push the probe to the bottom, open it, and draw up. To the same point you want to mix that 3 to 4-pound sample as much as possible. Put the sample over a divider and grind as much as is practical in your probe stand (the GIPSA Sampling handbook can be found here).

Weigh out the sample you will test, and with this fair sampling, you can be more confident you’re providing the best answer possible for both your company, and for the farmer. If the sample is close to cutoff (for example, a 1.1% where your cutoff is 1%), and you have the time, take a second sample from your collected corn or beans, regrind, and retest. Go with the average score of the two tests (not the better of the two scores). The best way to keep our growers happy, and to continue providing product for Identity Preservation programs, is to sample fairly and to properly detect GMOs or mycotoxins when they can be found.

Download a primer for sampling grain from a flat-bottom truck.

 

Proper Pipette Position

The best way to be fair in your testing is to perform the protocol as accurately as possible. When using your mini-pipette, make sure you hold it plumb vertically.

Tipping to the side can cause the liquid to roll back into the pipette, further reducing your accuracy and quality of testing.

If you ever have any questions, or just want to talk to someone about your testing, Tech Service is here for you.

Give us a call at (866)408-4597 X 2, or email techsupport@envirologix.com.

 

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USDA Releases Proposed GMO Labeling Rules

Posted on by Brian Harris

Congress enacted The National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard Law on July 29, 2016; and more recently the USDA released a proposed rule regarding the labeling of bioengineered foods and how this should be communicated to the public. The standard is currently open for public comment. Per Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rule is issued later this year.” The 60-day open comment period will be closing on July 3rd. The proposed rule can be viewed and comments can be submitted here. Some of the important points that the USDA is looking for public comment on are:

  • Definition of bioengineered: will new genetic techniques like genetic editing (CRISPR, TALEN, etc.), RNAi, and others require labeling?
  • Will highly refined ingredients that originate from bioengineered foods, but do not have nucleic products that can be detected via common test methods, require labeling?
  • At what threshold are products considered bioengineered? 0.9%, 5%, and 10% have been proposed.
  • Will bioengineered levels be determined by ingredient or by product weight?
  • How will the bioengineered label be communicated to consumers: text claims, digital codes (QR), symbols, or text message based inquiries?

More information from the USDA on the National Bioengineering Food Disclosure Law is available via a pre-recorded webinar found here.

As you contemplate the impact that the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Law may have on your organizations, use EnviroLogix as an informed industry resource. We’re here to supply the diagnostic solutions and implementation guidance to insure your organization is well positioned to comply with this new law.

 

For more GMO news, check out:

 

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Report from the CRISPR-Ag Bio Conference

Posted on by Brian Harris

On March 28, USDA Secretary Perdue issued a statement clarifying the department’s oversight of plants produced by new gene editing techniques, including CRISPR. With the USDA’s focus on protecting plant health, gene edited plants that do not contain genetic material from ‘plant pests’, such as viral DNA, will not require their standard regulatory process.

At the recent CRISPR-Ag Bio conference in San Diego, California, several representatives from the USDA spoke about the Secretary’s statement and regulatory status of gene edited plants. The speakers emphasized the USDA’s stance to regulate products, not processes. This is not unfamiliar territory – plants that have been exposed to mutation-inducing chemicals or radiation are not subject to the USDA regulatory process because the mutations induced are not derived from plant pests and are comparable to genetic changes that occur naturally in plants.

Gene edited crops that fall into one of the following categories are likewise considered comparable to natural genetic change:

  1. Sequence deletions
  2. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
  3. Sequence introduction from a compatible organism
  4. Complete null segregants

The USDA also emphasized their commitment to providing regulatory certainty to the agricultural community. The department is looking to develop a framework for regulation that adapts to future innovation, includes “off-ramps” for plants that do not require plant health regulation, and ensures that neither the department, nor plant breeders and innovators waste time in repetitive reviews. The USDA is, of course, a government agency that welcomes comments and input from the agricultural community on policy and procedures – during their talks, the speakers emphasized that they seek unique comments and input. Although an adjacent process to plant health regulation, the USDA is in the open comment period through July 3rd for the Bioengineered Food Disclosure Act.

For more GMO news, check out:

 

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White Paper in Collaboration with NSF International

Posted on by Brian Harris

Rapid Point-of-Need Molecular Detection of Roundup Ready® 2 Positive Soybeans Using DNAble® Technology

  • An EnviroLogix DNAble assay for cp4 epsps was run in the field and challenged with genetically modified RR2 soybeans
  • The assay performed with 100% sensitivity to the Roundup Ready 2 Yield® trait at 0.5%
  • The assay performed with >99% accuracy for non-RR2 soy GMO traits
  • The assay is robust and easy to use. It produces results that correlate with PCR in under 30 minutes total time

DNAble is a simple, rapid isothermal nucleic acid (molecular) amplification method with results similar to PCR. However, unlike the more costly and time-consuming PCR, DNAble is highly effective testing crude sample extracts that can be prepared at point-of-need in under 10 minutes.

The DNAble Molecular Detection Kit for v2 cp4 epsps  (MON89788) from EnviroLogix detects a unique sequence present in MON89788 soybeans (Roundup Ready 2 Yield [RR2], Roundup Ready 2 Xtend®). The performance of this kit in ground soybean is described below with 3rd party validation data conducted by NSF International’s Applied Research Center (NSF).

Both internal and independent validation studies resulted in >99% accuracy from conventional ground soy and 100% sensitivity for 0.5% RR2 ground soy.

nsf white paper

In-House: Conventional and 0.5% RR2=40 independent samples, three assay kit lots, two operators

3rd Party: Conventional=18 sub-samples, three assay kit lots; 0.5% RR2=10 independently blended samples, 3 replicate sub-samples across three assay kit lots

 

Click here for the full White Paper on the NSF website.

Authors:

Tapley1, S. Johnson1, B. Schindler2, J. Miller2, A. Rice1, E. Whiston1, J. Welch1, and B. Parker1

1EnviroLogix Inc, Portland, ME                       2NSF International, Ann Arbor, MI

Thanksgiving in Budapest at the Danube Soya Congress

Posted on by Brian Harris

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

Posted on by Brian Harris

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

Visit Us at the Midwest Specialty Grains Conference & Tradeshow

Posted on by Brian Harris

If you are in the specialty grains and oilseeds business – such as growing, buying, storing, transporting, exporting or regulating them – we hope to see you at the Midwest Specialty Grains Conference & Tradeshow, co-hosted by U.S. Soy Global Trade Exchange. This event will be from August 31 – September 1 in Indianapolis, and is a tremendous opportunity for international trading companies and suppliers to meet, network and conduct business with influential decision makers in the global soy, grain, oilseed and food industry.

Chris at the 2015 Grain conference
US Sales Manager Chris Seward at the 2015 Midwest Specialty Grains Conference/US Soy Global Trade exchange

Visit our staff at booth #402 to learn about our new rapid mycotoxin tests and our innovative technology that brings rapid molecular GMO testing on-site, saving you time and money. While you’re there, tell us what you think of our new brand look!

Test Your Exports for GMOs With Confidence

Posted on by Brian Harris

EnviroLogix, the industry leader in GMO detection, is looking forward to seeing you at the US SOY Global Trade Exchange/Midwest Specialty Grains Conference & Trade Show. According to Feed & Grain magazine, the conference has reached a new record for attendance, so it will be a phenomenal event!

The non-GMO market is expanding, both in the U.S. and abroad, so don’t get left behind! GMO testing is fast, simple and affordable. EnviroLogix is the only company offering rapid detection technology options for all GMO traits, and our industry experts can help develop a solution for your needs.

Visit our friendly, knowledgeable staff at booth # 205 during the trade show to talk about your unique challenges, and leave some time in your schedule for one of our live demos.

product-image

 

DNAble GMO Soybean Screen

Thursday, 9/10 @ 12:45 pm and Friday, 9/11 @ 8:15 am

The future of testing is here! We made rapid DNA detection simple and affordable.
Watch how easy it is to detect multiple GMO traits in minutes.
 

QuickScan-TechQuickScan GMO Test Strips

Thursday, 9/10 @ 1:30 pm and Friday, 9/11 @ 1:00 pm

Observe the fast, reliable results achieved with this trusted technique.

Save your data, print reports and detect mycotoxins on the same system!

midwest shippers

 

Are You Ready for FSMA?

Posted on by Brian Harris

Understanding FSMA and new liabilities

Each year, 3,000 Americans die from foodborne illness (Source: CDC).

The Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA,  has four main objectives:

  1. Improve capacity to prevent food-safety problems
  2. Improve capacity to detect and respond to food-safety problems
  3. Improve the safety of imported food
  4. Miscellaneous provisions, such as whistle-blower protection

If your company is required by the FDA to register under its current food facility registration regulations, FSMA applies to you.

By June 30, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration must finalize a series of seven regulations that create significant new criminal liabilities affecting companies in the food industry (Source: Retail Leader).

How big is this? Once regulations are final, business operations can cease pending investigation and a company CEO can be held personally liable for violating any of the new regulations, even if that CEO had no knowledge of the violation. If your company doesn’t have strong controls in place to manage its production as well as other aspects of the supply chain, you’re taking on significant risk.

Recognizing the FDA’s reach

More than ever before, FSMA intends to hold the food industry accountable for securing the supply chain. Here’s a short list of what’s within the FDA’s power:

  • Require a recall rather than recommend a recall.
  • Require verification of imported ingredients used in U.S.-produced feed; the burden to track is on the manufacturer.
  • Compel disclosure of records without a warrant.
  • Detain ingredients or inventory, causing delays in production and even immediate shutdown.
  • Suspend license of noncompliant operators.
  • Conduct unscheduled audits, typically records-based. This could force a reconciliation of ingredients, requiring documentation of existing best practices and their application.

Protecting your business

Agribusinesses can’t afford any gaps in their safety testing practices. To compete in this climate while protecting the supply chain and your place in it, you need strategic solutions.  You want to optimize your people, processes and technological assets for agile and effective mycotoxin testing and traceability. Contact EnviroLogix to discuss how their industry-leading  QuickScan system, GIPSA-certified QuickTox kits and team of experts can support the necessary training, testing and documentation for meeting the new FSMA regulations.

 

Portions of this post were reposted with permission from Repete.

To read the original post in its entirety, click here. 

EnviroLogix Scientists Help Portland Students Understand GMOs

Posted on by Brian Harris

In the spring of 2015, EnviroLogix scientist (and technical support supervisor) Jamie Welch spoke with 7th grade students in Portland about GMOs. He led students through labs where they tested plants and seeds for the presence of GMOs using EnviroLogix GMO testing strips.

Thank you to Ms. Lea for fostering an environment of hands-on learning and discovery in her classroom.  It was a pleasure to share our love of science with your students! To view more photos of Jamie’s day at Lincoln Middle School, click here.

Non-GMO Project Verification Free Webinar on Sampling & Testing

Posted on by Brian Harris
nsf non GMO webinar web banner copy

We invite you to join EnviroLogix and NSF International on May 27 for a FREE webinar on testing technologies that can be applied to the Non-GMO Project verification process.

Keeping current on emerging Non-GMO market environments is critical in today’s grain industry. Research has shown that demand for non-GMO foods and ingredients is increasing and is projected to account for up to 30 percent of the U.S. retail food and beverage market by 2017.

As a leading provider of testing solutions for Identity Preservation (IP) and Non-GMO programs EnviroLogix will introduce the industry-leading QuickScan testing platform.

The same technology that has supported the grain industry worldwide is an ideal solution for any merchandisers wishing to test, quantify, document, and analyze the GMO status of agricultural commodities. (And it’s useful for mycotoxin testing too!)

We hope you’ll join us for this informative session on May 27 at 10:30-11:30 am PST. And if you can’t make it to that session, there is another one on July 1. To register, click on the link of the date you are interested in.

May 27, 2015

10:30 – 11:30 am Pacific

July 1, 2015

10:30-11:30 am Pacific

Genetic Engineering and Detecting GMOs

Posted on by Brian Harris

What is Genetic Engineering?

In a very short period of time, advances in genetic engineering have created tremendous potential for rapid introduction of traits in a myriad of food and feed crops. Although the technologies for identification and isolation of specific gene sequences are highly sophisticated and precise, the techniques for inserting desired genes in a plant’s DNA are still evolving. They require extensive testing to confirm that the desired gene transfers have been made and that resulting seed stock will express the desired traits at adequate levels.

There are a number of genetically engineered (“GE”) foods in the marketplace, consumers, government agencies, and food retailers in many countries are rapidly gaining awareness and voicing concerns. In some cases, they are demanding labeling –for the ability to distinguish genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or foods from other foods. In some areas, such as parts of Europe and the Pacific Rim, some consumer groups are seeking to ban GMOs altogether until the potential corollary effects are better understood. Threshold levels are being established in some countries to set maximum levels for GMOs in certain foods or crops.

Why Test for GMOs?

Labeling requires knowledge of the genetic status of all ingredients and segregation and identity preservation of GMO and non-GMO ingredients as they move through the grain distribution channels and into food production. This segregation requires tracing back to the seed level and upward through the processing and distribution chain to retail consumption. Testing for genetic markers also includes testing crops during the growing cycle to ensure that no cross- pollination occurs between GE seeds and non-GE seeds of the same crop.

To date, the largest applications of genetic engineering in agriculture have concentrated on the high volume crops: corn, soybeans, cotton, alfalfa and canola. The principal modifications have centered on two different aspects of pest control: i) introduction of a protein produced by the Bacillus thurigiensis (Bt) bacteria into seeds for ingrained insecticide protection, and ii) resistance to the synthetic herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundUp®) in so-called RoundUp Ready seeds or glyphosinate in LibertyLink® seeds. There have been numerous different insect resistant varieties developed utilizing unique Bt gene segments, and thereby expressing different and specific proteins including Cry1Ab, Cry1Ac, Cry1C, Cry1F, Cry2A, Cry3B, Cry34 and Cry9C. Regardless of the protein expressed, these different Bt varieties enable the plant to produce its own internal protection against pests such as the European corn borer in the case of corn plants, or against the boll weevil in the case of cotton plants. Similarly, Bt varieties have been developed for other crops such as potatoes and rice. The herbicide tolerant varieties on the other hand, render the plant resistant to powerful herbicides such as glyphosate (RoundUp) or glyphosinate (Liberty®). This enables the grower to apply herbicides in a more targeted and efficient manner without harming the crop.

Some of these varieties have received regulatory approvals in different countries by international regulatory agencies for specific applications, while others await final resolution and action. Concerns in Europe and parts of Asia have slowed the process of regulatory approvals, which has created the need for further segregation of grain and food ingredients destined for export, in order to comply with different international restrictions.

How Are GMOs Detected?

A 96-well ELISA plate form of the assay is designed for quantitative, high volume, laboratory based testing where certain immunoassay equipment is on-hand and useful in large-scale screening and documentation. The lateral flow membrane formats (LFDs) are also suitable for high volume screening, but are especially designed for use in the field, with no additional equipment or facilities required. The next advancement in molecular GMO detection will be the emergence of more robust, rapid DNA-based testing.  Previously, these molecular methods, like PCR (polymerase chain reaction), were time consuming, expensive, and exclusive to centralized laboratories.  With the emergence of new technology, GMO DNA testing can be more accessible, rapid, and user-friendly.

GMO Testing Challenges and Applications

Posted on by Brian Harris

Commonly, GMO testing occurs in order to prevent contamination in GMO-free food and feed supplies.  This testing for low-level presence of genetically modified organisms (unintentional GMO contamination), is driven by consumer demand for non-GMO products.  For this, customers need highly-sensitive and rapid methods to identify GMO contamination, down to as little as 0.1%, or 1 GMO seed in 1,000 conventional seeds.

GMO Testing Applications

Testing for low-level presence can serve multiple markets.  If a trait is not approved in China, then grain exports cannot contain the unapproved GMO.  Other foreign markets, like Japan and Europe, have different purity requirements in order to meet non-GMO needs.  As GMO awareness increases, there will be increasing consumer demand for GMO labelling in foods.  Already in other countries, food manufacturers test raw ingredients, like corn and soy, for GMO contamination before it enters their processes; this enables them to screen out contamination before it makes it into product.  This will be a growing need in the US, as consumers drive demand for non-GMO products.

There is also need for the opposite application, where seed companies need a rapid method to test for the presence of the GMO traits in order to assure the quality of their GMO products.  Instead of testing for contamination, they test for the proper expression of the desired GMO traits in the seed product.

GMO Testing Challenges

Obtaining a representative sample is one of the most important factors when evaluating product for GMO contamination.  It can be challenging, depending on the application, to collect a statistically representative sample.  For any large amount of material, one should take multiple, representative subsamples and thoroughly blend them together.  Think of trying to detect below 1% GMO.  That’s less than 10 seeds in 1000.  Chances are, you won’t get the right answer if you take a single 10 seed, or even 50 seed, sample and assume it is completely representative.

Export with Confidence – EnviroLogix Test Kits for Duracade™ and MIR 162

Posted on by Kevin Brooks

In light of the recent news reports about concerns over Duracade corn and its impact on US corn exports, EnviroLogix is pleased to announce it has already developed a test for this trait, QuickStix Kit for eCry3.1Ab, the unique protein expressed in Duracade corn, which is also known as Event 5307.

EnviroLogix continues to offer a complete solution for grain handlers wishing to test for any GMO traits, approved or unapproved, that are available in the US market and beyond.

In particular, the eCry3.1Ab test was developed several years ago and has been validated and approved by Syngenta for detection of the protein expressed in Agrisure Duracade traited corn.

Many major grain buyers have announced they would not be accepting any Duracade at their facilities until further notice.

“A recent USGC press release expressed concern that inadvertent co-mingling of approved and unapproved traits could disrupt trade and cause more rejections of US corn in overseas markets,” says Nick Davala, Business Unit Manager.

“EnviroLogix offers a complete solution for screening and identity-preserving incoming grain for elevators, mills, processors…basically anyone concerned about the acceptability of their end product in China or other overseas markets.

“Along with our Duracade test, we also provide tests for Vip3A (MIR 162) and CspB (drought resistance), which have also been identified as traits of concern in the corn export market.”

™Duracade is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company