A new standard provides guidance for identifying and quantifying genetically modified materials in foods. ISO 24276, "Foodstuffs—Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products—General requirements and definitions," lists sample collection procedures for analysis along with advice on how to perform different analyses. Its focus is on the polymerase chain reaction, a precise methodology for generating unlimited copies of specific DNA fragments. Methods using protein as the analytical target are also covered.

The standard also includes a validation of test methods, a checklist of what information test reports must cover and guidelines for laboratory setup. Although it was developed for food analysis, ISO 24276 can also be applied to other areas such as seeds, feed or plant samples.

The standard was developed by a technical committee of the European Committee for Standardization. For more information, visit www.iso.org.

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