Rising cultivation, global trade routes and differing GMO approvals across countries require intelligent, customised analytical strategies and competent consultancy for food, feed and seed producers.
Eurofins Food testing UK in partnership with Eurofins GeneScan GmbH, our European GMO Competence centre, offers carefully designed testing programmes to ensures that your company meets stringent regulations in a timely and efficient manner while keeping your customers safe and reassured.
Key GMO testing services
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GMO screening
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GMO identification
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GMO quantification
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Non-GMO labelling
GMO services for food, feed and seed
Our analytical services cover the full range of testing from screening and identification to the precise quantification of trace components. We offer short standard turnaround times with express options (subject to availability).
The classical analytical strategy is based on three steps:
1. GMO screening – Fast, and cost-efficient detection of multiple GMOs
GMO analysis generally starts with qualitative screening to determine whether a GMO is present. Comprehensive screening is essential, especially for producers wishing to market products with a “GMO-free” claim.
2. GMO identification – Securing the marketability of products
Many regions have 0% tolerances or tolerance thresholds for non-approved GMOs. Asynchronous approval situations, where a GMO is authorised for commercialisation in one country and not in another, can lead to problems with the marketability of products containing even traces of this GMO. It is therefore important to understand the GMO approval situation in the country of origin of the raw materials as well as the regulatory situation in the country where the final products will be marketed.
With the help of specific detection methods, non-approved GMOs can be identified or excluded. Specific qualitative methods are therefore an important aspect of verifying the marketability of raw and processed products.
3. GMO quantification – Is labelling required?*
In addition to the approval of genetically modified organisms, the labelling of GMO content above a certain threshold is regulated differently from country to country.
In the EU, for example, adventitious and technically unavoidable contamination with approved GMOs up to 0.9% is exempt from labelling. EU Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 requires labelling of GMO presence in food and feed above a threshold of 0.9%.
Quantitative GMO detection can be used to determine whether the GMO content of a product is above or below the legal limit.
In feed, non-approved GMOs are tolerated up to a threshold of 0.1%, as long as they meet certain requirements set out in EU Regulation (EC) No. 619/2011. For issues such as these, quantitative analysis is the method of choice for verifying marketability and labelling requirements.
Non-GMO labelling services
Our services for Non-GMO labelling are tailored to the needs of food and feed producers, processors, and retailers. We offer
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GMO testing and quantification: PCR-based detection of genetically modified organisms in raw materials, ingredients, and finished products, with a detection limit of up to 0.01%
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VLOG (Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V.)-recognised GMO analysis: Accredited testing for VLOG-certified companies, compliant with the latest VLOG analytics guidelines
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Non-GMO project approved GMO analysis
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Risk assessment & sampling plans: Tailored risk-based sampling strategies for raw materials, food and feed, aligned with your production processes
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Supply chain verification: Documentation and verification of GMO-free status across all stages, from agriculture to processing and distribution
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Labelling and compliance consulting: Guidance on EU labelling regulations in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, and other markets, as well as support in preparing documents for authorities and retail partners
Additional services for Non-GMO assurance
Beyond standard testing, we offer a range of complementary services to strengthen your Non-GMO positioning
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IP-Trust Non-GMO certification programme for Identity Preservation, ensuring traceability and integrity throughout your food, feed and pet food supply chains
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Feed and livestock compliance (VLOG and national implementing rules)
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Training and internal audits
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Digital Reporting and Data Management via Eurofins online services
GMO Competence centre
Our GMO testing Competence Centre Eurofins GeneScan GmbH, has supported the food and feed industry for decades with a wide range of different methods for GMO screening, GMO identification and GMO quantification. Focusing on seed breeding and trade, food and feed production as well as retail, always with the benefit of our customers in mind. Our expertise focuses on seed breeding and trade, food and feed production and retail, combining extensive knowledge and excellent analytical skills to help ensure your products meet the highest standards.
Regulatory overview* (EU, GB & NI)
Regulations governing GMO in Food, feed and seeds across the UK and European consist of Europe-wide and country-specific legislation
- European Union (EU)
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GM food and feed are governed by Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 (authorisation & labelling) and Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 (traceability & labelling). For authorised GM presence above 0.9% per ingredient, GM labelling is required; ≤ 0.9% is exempt only if adventitious/technically unavoidable. Applications follow Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013
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Feed - technical zero: For official control of non‑authorised GM material in feed, Regulation (EU) No 619/2011 sets a method‑related technical zero (MRPL) of 0.1%; this harmonises enforcement and is not a general tolerance for food
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Great Britain (GB): EU rules have been retained in GB law. Authorisations and the GB Register are overseen by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and devolved administrations. Labelling principles align with the EU, including the 0.9% threshold for authorised GM presence
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Northern Ireland (NI): NI applies EU food law under the Windsor Framework; the EU GMO regime (including labelling/traceability) applies to goods on the NI market
Additional regulations include (but are not limited to)
*This information is provided for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest legal requirements. Eurofins accepts no liability for its accuracy. For the latest updates relevant to your target market, please contact your local Eurofins food testing laboratory; our specialists provide tailored support through our horizon scanning and food safety consultancy services.
Contact us
Contact Eurofins Food Testing UK to access our full range of GMO testing and consultancy services by submitting an enquiry or calling +44 (0)845 604 6740.
