The European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) has today made available certified reference materials for the analysis of genetically modified (GM) cotton and sugar beet.

The release of the two new materials together with a set of starch-modified potato materials introduced earlier this year, brings the number of certified GMO reference materials to 14 provided by the JRC's Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (IRMM) located in Geel, Belgium.

Certified reference materials are needed for calibrating the methods used to quantify the GM content and for controlling the quality of measurements. Implementing EU legislation on labelling of food and feed products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) largely depends on the accuracy and reliability of those measurements.

For each GMO authorised for food and feed use in Europe, certified reference materials need to be available. IRMM is one of the largest reference material providers in the world, and was the first to produce reference materials for the analysis of genetically modified materials.

It has developed specialised techniques for the processing and certification of GMO reference materials since 1997. The GMO reference materials of IRMM are produced under the European Reference Materials (ERM®) label that guarantees the use of best practices in production.

The JRC is playing a leading role in ensuring a harmonised approach between EU Member States, industry and stakeholders. It now hosts six Community Reference Laboratories (CRLs) on food and feed safety in support of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs).

This includes a CRL for GM food and feed located at the JRC's Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP) in Ispra, Italy, that validates methods for sampling, identification and detection.

Further information: http://irmm.jrc.ec.europa.eu; http://ihcp.jrc.ec.europa.eu