Genetically modified (GM) crops have been produced for over 20 years. Despite this, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remain controversial in many countries. GMOs are governed by national legislation, resulting in varying regulations governing the importation and use of GMOs.
The GMO Act regulates GMO activities in South Africa and intends to ensure that GM crops are safe and sustainable. For all GMO-related activities, such as contained use, field trials, importing, and exporting, permits are required from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.
GMO products intended for distribution and consumption must be approved for the type and amounts of GM material within them.This specifically applies to the presence or absence of GMOs using a PCR testing method to detect the gene events approved in South Africa for maise and soy crops. The test result should state less than 1% presence of GMO for a GMO status certificate to be issued.
Failure to conform to the GMO regulatory status in South Africa and the export territory for commodities such as seeds, feed, and food, can result in costly recalls and reputational damage. In addition to these requirements for GM crops, exporting a non-GM crop to a territory restricting GM crop imports has the same associated risks of non-conformance.
GM management practices are valuable to mitigate the risks of possible resource losses. These include Applying GM standards to guide the management of non-GMO products. Here, it is essential to consider the complete supply chain and the impact of cross-contact of GM and non-GM crops and partnering with an analytical laboratory with analytical and technical expertise.
SciCorp is a biotechnology laboratory with technical expertise in the field of genetically modified organisms. SciCorp is registered with DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) and has SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) ISO 17025 accreditation for GMO testing methods for seed, feed, and food products. SciCorp applies PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) to provide high-throughput and accurate GMO testing. With their rush service, they can report GMO test results within 24 hours.
GMO testing services at SciCorp Laboratories
SciCorp are authorised to issue certificates stating whether samples are free from GMOs. The first step is to detect whether GM material is present within samples with qualitative analysis. If a positive result is obtained, the amount of GM material in samples can be determined with quantitative analysis.
SciCorp can detect the presence and amounts of specific GM traits or events in samples, and the SciCorp team will assist with a list of traits/events tested at their facilities.
SciCorp can identify the commodities present in seeds, feed, and food, which assists with the identification of cross-contact commodities.
Sci-Corp can determine the purity of GM traits in samples to confirm successful trait introgression.
In partnership with Gold Standard Diagnostics, SciCorp distributes lateral flow kits for their clients to detect GM material in their samples. These tests can be done in-house, with results obtainable within minutes.
SciCorp is registered with DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development) and holds SANAS ISO 17025 accreditation for GMO, microbiological, and molecular testing in food, feed, and seed methods. Our testing portfolio spans ISTA-accredited physical seed testing, molecular plant breeding support, authenticity verification, GMO detection, and comprehensive chemical and food safety analyses. Additionally, SciCorp offers a range of products for clients' in-house testing needs, including the Path-Chek® line for food pathogens, lateral flow sticks for allergens and mycotoxins, ELISA and LFS kits for GMO testing, and Anchor germination paper for seed testing.
