Technical study to assess the need for harmonisation of sampling and analysis methods for GM material in food : executive summary

The objective of the study was to perform an ad hoc assessment of the need for, and feasibility of, harmonising sampling and analysis methods for official controls to detect the presence in food of GM material at European Union (EU) level. The study has focussed on official controls related to pending (asynchronous) and expired (obsolete) genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Its purpose is to help the European Commission to identify, explain and assess the issues arising from the current approach to regulation of sampling and analysis of GM material in food across the 28 EU Member States. This report provides answers to a set of questions posed by the Commission relating to the lack of harmonised protocols for sampling and analysis and the absence of a minimum required performance limit (MRPL) for food. It considers impacts on official control activities for the sampling and analysis of asynchronous and obsolete GMOs, food business operators in the EU and consumers.