Leatherhead adds GM testing to services
analytical service including genetically modified organisms, thanks
to a strategic collaboration with Genetic ID.
The UK company already offered clients an analytical testing service including allergen, pesticide and heavy metal detection; food ingredient and additive, nutritional composition and microbiological analyses; and glycaemic index testing.
The agreement means it can now add Genetic ID's ISO 17025 accredited GMO testing technology to its menu of services.
"Being able to offer a recognised and global, world class GMO testing solution to our clients in the UK, is in line with our mission of strengthening our partnership opportunities with our Members and clients," said Leatherhead CEO John Bevington.
"It allows us to add value to our offering and will be extremely competitive. We also provide vital complimentary consultancy in the areas of food labelling and nutrition claims".
The new service is expected to appeal particularly to companies supplying certified non-GMO foods, since they can check for this at the same time as they check for other elements, saving the time and money associated with submitting samples to several different laboratories.
Genetic ID cites market research indicating that consumers are becoming ever more vociferous in their demands that the GM status of food products be clearly labelled - 75 percent signalled a desire to avoid consumption of GM foods.
More than just the consumers making demands, lawmakers in Europe and Japan are also tightening up GM regulations.
The need for GMO testing grows each time a new GM variety of a crop is commercialised. At the moment, most GM food is related to soy, maize and, to a lesser degree, canola. But as soon as GM rice is introduced anywhere in the world, the need for testing will explode, since the possibility will exist that any rice in the food chain will be GM.
