With the framework set by the European regulation (1830/2003/EC) on traceability of GMO’s or GM products in food and feed, the national enforcement bodies have to control the GMO content of kernel lots arriving in Europe mostly through harbours. The presently used sampling techniques for that purpose are based on statistical assumptions of distribution of GM contaminants known to be unvalid on lots of several tons. Therefore it is essential to have an idea of what kind of distribution may be found in such lots in order to elaborate sampling procedures that are scientifically sound.
Objectives
The KeLDA project (Kernel Lot Distribution Assessment) aims to collect data about the distribution of GM contaminants in soybean lots imported in the European Union. With these results it will be possible to select appropriate sampling procedures able to assess in a sufficiently accurate way the GM content of high tonnage lots. Therefore a consortium of labs belonging to the ENGL (European network of GMO laboratories) will help to collect lots mostly in European harbours. The IRMM and in a lesser extent the CRA-W are performing the grinding task. Qualitative PCR occurs in each of the several participating laboratories on each increment after it has been ground in a central standardized way. The Joint Research Centre of Ispra is doing quantitative PCR analyses on all the increments.
Expected results
Thanks to the results of the project insight will be gained about distribution of GM soybeans in conventional soybean lots and thus also the degree of uniformity or heterogeneity of the lots. Moreover it will also give some idea about the variation of GM content within GM lots in which non GM soybeans have been added. With these data it should be possible to test various sampling procedures.
Results obtained
Collection of lots with 100 increments for each lot is achieved. Grinding of all the increments (1700) is finished. Most of the qualitative and quantitative PCR analyses are already performed just like the immunochemical dip stick assays.
Contribution
Tasks specifically undertaken by CRA-W are : Collection in the harbour of Ghent of three lots with 100 increments for each (finished at the end of 2002 with the collaboration of the provincial control unit of East Flanders of the Belgian Agency for safety of the food chain). Lots sent for grinding at IRMM and after grinding one is given to CLO (spring 2003). Qualitative PCR analyses on lots CRA1 and CRA2 (finished in 2003). Grinding in Geel, within the facilities of IRMM, of five lots of other participants and performing the dipstick immunoassay on all the corresponding increments (2004)
Partners
Joint Research Centres of Ispra (Institute for Health and Consumer Protection) and Geel (Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements). Several ENGL laboratories among which, as other Belgian participant, CLO in Melle.
CRAW off coordinator
VAN DEN EEDE Guy PAOLETTI Claudia Joint Research Centre Institute for Health and Consumer Protection Ispra I-Italy Website: http://biotech.jrc.it/sampling_KeLDA.htm
