Ahead of the enlargement on 1 May, a number of national enforcement laboratories from the accession countries became part, on 29 April, of the European Network of Genetically Modified Organisms' Laboratories (ENGL).

The 24 laboratories, which previously had the status of observers, have joined the network, coordinated by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), aimed at managing the detection, identification and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and feed in Europe.

Under the new EU regulations on GM food and feed, the JRC has been given the role of managing the detection methods and their validation. This means that all applications for GM food or feed must go through the JRC, who will test the product, making sure the detection methods are accurate and effective.

'We are committed to ensuring the full respect of EU legislation when it comes to GM plants and their derived food and feed products,' explained Philippe Busquin, the European Research Commissioner. 'EU legislation requires a case-by-case assessment of all GM food or feed applications based on scientific evidence. Only products meeting these stringent requirements will be able to be sold in an enlarged EU. Providing a harmonised GMO detection system across Europe will provide consumers with greater choice and accuracy in selecting food products and boost the competitiveness of EU biotech companies.'

The aim of the ENGL, which with the new additions counts 71 control laboratories across Europe as its members, is to create a standardised detection system for GMOs through a platform of experts, who will be encouraged to exchange information and develop a common European strategy.

'An enlarged ENGL will greatly improve the network's ability to detect and screen GMOs and provide a sound scientific basis for enforcing biotechnology legislation,' explained the Commission in a statement.

The statement goes to explain that 'Based on EU legislation, inspectors collect and screen food and feed samples for DNA or proteins that indicate genetic modification. If a screening shows the presence of one or more GMOs, regulations require that the amount be quantified. Mandatory labelling of food ingredients is guaranteeing the consumer's right to information.'

This pan-European network of scientific experts will improve public confidence as well as giving consumers the opportunity to choose between products with or without GMOs. Moreover, the ENGL network will further help the development of the European Research Area (ERA) 'by expanding available scientific excellence and ensuring policy compliance in an enlarged EU,' said the Commission.

For further information, please visit: http://engl.jrc.it/ or http://gmo-crl.jrc.it