GMOs

Research into genetically modified organisms (GMOs) at RIKILT focuses primarily on the safety assessment of foodstuffs and
feeds derived from GMOs and the detection of GMOs in the food chain. The latter is important to ensure proper labelling of
GMO products and for tracking down prohibited GMOs.

The government inspects animal feeds for the presence of authorised and non-authorised GMOs. RIKILT analyses all the samples taken by the VWA for that purpose. Our responsibilities include the development of methods for assessing the safety of GMOs as well as methods for enabling the detection of unknown GMOs.

With regard to safety assessment research, we are working on new methods which can be used to supplement present methods for investigating the safety of complex foodstuffs. To do so, we also make use of transcriptomics and metabolomics. To measure GMOs in products, we use molecular biological techniques including microarray technology.

In addition to the above GMO research, RIKILT also advises various national and international government bodies regarding the safety and detection of GMOs. RIKILT also plays a leading role in this regard within the EFSA. We are responsible for providing recommendations when it comes to evaluating the safety of GMOs within the framework of market authorisation.

Contact: Esther Kok