Biotech Crop Testing Now ‘Quite Variable’

March 9, 2000

Verification testing will be needed to segregate biotech traits from conventional traits, says David R. Shipman, deputy administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, but testing for biotech crops "is rapidly evolving and quite variable at this time."

Still, "regardless of the motives for segregating biotech from conventional or one quality trait from another, verification testing will be necessary," he says. Some food manufacturers want conventional crops separate from biotech crops, some countries have announced regulations requiring the labeling of biotech crops and products, and buyers and sellers will need to confirm the presence of enhanced value traits in future generations of biotech crops "if they want to benefit from the enhanced value," says Shipman.

Biotech crops differ from conventional crops by the addition of one or more new genes into the plant genome. Each gene tells the plant to produce a new protein that confers a new trait, he explains.

Detection methods test either for the new genetic sequences or the new proteins. "In general, separate tests must be developed and optimized for each bioengineered variety," says Shipman. "While protocols can be designed to test one product for the presence of several biotech traits, there are no universal tests encompassing every biotech product. In choosing the appropriate biotech detection method, it is critical to understand the information needed; both DNA and protein tests have suitable applications."

GIPSA has initiated steps to establish sampling protocols and to evaluate and validate the various testing methods being used in the commercial market. The ultimate goal, says Shipman, is to provide the market with reliable biotech detection methods "that will facilitate information exchange and benefit American agriculture by increasing overall market efficiency, decreasing transaction costs and minimizing buyers' and seller's risks."