March 23, 2000 / from a press release
FAIRFIELD, Iowa -- Genetic ID, Inc., the pioneer and world leader in testing foods for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), has developed cost-effective tests that could help save hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. corn and corn-based food exports to Japan and restore stalled U.S. corn exports to Europe. The tests, which screen for specific unapproved varieties of GMOs, promise to protect U.S. exporters from risks of refused shipments and legal penalties.
A new Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare regulation bans imports of unapproved genetically modified (GM) corn varieties for human consumption.
The new regulation has zero tolerance; if any amount of GMO is detected, corn shipments can be rejected and products seized and destroyed. Importers may also face fines and criminal penalties.
The regulation will be enforced starting April 1, 2001 and has sparked protests from the U.S. agricultural sector, which witnessed corn exports to the EU plummet from $305 million in 1996 to only $1 million in 1999 due to GMO restrictions, according to a recent New York Times article. Japan is the largest export market for U.S. corn, buying an average 480 million bushels a year, or 31 percent of all U.S. corn exported.
"This high-risk situation demands precise, reliable, and consistent testing to detect the unapproved varieties," says Dr. Bernd Schoel, Genetic ID, director of analytical services. "The new 'varietal test' solves this problem, reducing the risks for exporters."
Genetic ID's DNA tests can reliably detect as little as two molecules of genetically modified DNA and identify all the commercialized GM varieties of grains, fruits, and vegetables on the market. Genetic ID's two new varietal tests identify the seven GM corn varieties unapproved in Japan, and the 11 varieties unapproved in the EU. In addition, Genetic ID can quickly develop variety-specific tests for any GMOs unapproved by any trading partner. For example, tests can be developed for U.S.-grown GM tomatoes, squash, and other products not approved in Japan.
"With each nation creating their own list of unapproved varieties and labeling thresholds for GMOs, exporters face unprecedented challenges," says Bill Witherspoon, Genetic ID's chief executive officer. "Genetic ID's varietal tests, which cost as little as a penny per bushel, and our threshold tests which cost even less, provide industry with the tools to navigate through the maze of regulation and risk."
Genetic ID, in cooperation with LawLabs of the United Kingdom, also developed Cert ID, the world's first non-GMO certification program, which provides further protection with third-party assurance of non-GMO production.
Consistent, reliable testing around the globe eliminates risks Genetic ID has performed hundreds of thousands of GMO tests, and its testing method is recognized worldwide for unsurpassed accuracy and reliability. Laboratories around the world have licensed Genetic ID's technology, which uses stringent controls to guard against false positive and false negative results. By testing with Genetic ID's labs in the U.S. and Japan, or with its licensees around the globe, companies can ensure consistent, reliable testing before and after export. This will prevent accidental shipments of unapproved varieties into Japan and Europe.
(posted without permission)
