Comparative testing report on the detection and quantification of maize events GA21, TC1507 and MIR604 : comparative testing round : ILC-EURL-GMFF-CT-02/11, version b

In the frame of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed has the duty to organise comparative testing rounds and to ensure an appropriate follow-up of these activities. This report describes the outcome of the fourth comparative testing round ILC-EURL-GMFF-CT-02/11. Participants were required to screen two test items denoted maize powder levels 1 and 2, for the presence of maize events 3272, Bt11, Bt176, 59122, GA21, MIR604, MON 810, MON 863, NK603 and TC1507. Any events detected were then to be quantified. This comparative testing round was organised in collaboration with the Food Safety and Quality Unit of the Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (Geel, BE). The maize test items were produced in-house. The Food Safety and Quality Unit managed the on-line registration and submission of results. A total of 159 laboratories were invited to participate in ILC-EURL-GMFF-CT-02/11. Ninety-three laboratories from 40 countries returned results, of which 62 were National Reference Laboratories, seven were only members of the European Network of GMO Laboratories, eight were only Official control laboratories and 16 were laboratories from third countries. Nine laboratories including one National Reference Laboratory, one European Network of GMO Laboratory and seven laboratories from third countries did not submit results. In this fourth comparative testing round greater than 86 % of participants gained a satisfactory z-score in the range of -2 to +2 for the results expressed in mass/mass % for both maize powder levels 1 and 2 regardless of the GM event. However, a lower percentage (43 - 86 %) of z-scores within the working range of -2 to +2 was calculated for those participants that expressed the results in copy/copy %.