CANTON, Mass. (PRNewswire) — UL, a leading global safety science organization, has received approval from the Non-GMO Project, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, offering North America's only third-party verification for products that avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs), to perform the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing as set forth in the Non-GMO Project Standard.
"GMO testing of raw materials is a required step in a company's objective to obtain Non-GMO Project Verified status and ensure that the products are in compliance with the Standard," says Jon Christiano, General Manager for UL Consumer Products, North America. "UL is pleased to be working with the Non-GMO Project as an independent third-party laboratory for GMO testing services. Approved testing in UL's Canton MA ISO 17025 accredited facility includes qualitative screening for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), as well as quantitative testing, using real-time PCR technology. UL detection capabilities are available for corn (maize) and soybean raw materials."
"The Non-GMO Project works in several capacities to ensure the availability of non-GMO products. It supports informed choice and offers North America's only third-party verification for products that avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs)," said Courtney Pineau, associate director of the Non-GMO Project. "Our mission is to preserve and build sources of non-GMO products, educate consumers, and provide verified non-GMO choices. We're pleased that UL has been approved as one of the labs to work with technical administrators during the verification process."
The Non-GMO Project Standard requires analytical testing of all major high risk inputs at critical points in the production chain to verify that the processes and practices employed by participants are adequate to meet Action Thresholds as determined by the Non-GMO Project Standard. Testing finished products is neither reliable nor practical. The Standard allows for a combination of testing methods, with a focus on quantitative PCR analysis by ISO 17025 accredited laboratories.
Based on detection of fluorescence emitted from a reporter molecule, UL's real-time PCR testing capability is a highly sensitive and reliable method used in the detection and quantification of nucleic acids. Detection occurs during the accumulation of the PCR product with each cycle of amplification and allows for monitoring of the PCR reaction during early exponential phase.
For additional information regarding UL GMO testing services, please contact [email protected] and a UL representative will follow up soon.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations, and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and, education services, visit http://www.UL.com.
About Non-GMO Project
The Non-GMO Project works in several different capacities to ensure the availability of non-GMO products and to help support informed choice. We offer North America's only third party verification and labeling for non-GMO food and products. We also educate consumers and the food industry to help build awareness about GMOs and their impact on our health and food systems.