BÖNNIGHEIM,
Germany
A new qualification method has been
developed by the Textile testing partner Hohenstein which has been qualified to
detect the type and extent of genetic modifications in organic cotton.
Hohenstein uses DNA analysis for the
identification of the genetic modifications and also for the calculation of its
percentage in the organic cotton. This data can be used by the stakeholders to
differentiate between mixtures and contaminations, verify claims, and control
quality. There are two steps for this test- one is the qualitative screening
and the other is the identification and qualification of genetically modified
cotton.
Hohenstein has a molecular biological
detection system that is used for qualitative screening. It is a reliable
method for providing evidence of the presence or absence of GMOs in cotton.
Hohenstein is also one of the few laboratories in the world that has ISO 17025
accreditation to test GMOs as per the ISO/IWA 32:2019 protocol.
Hohenstein experts can identify the type
and proportion of the GMOs once the qualitative analysis detects genetic
modification. These experts use DNA analysis to check for cotton lines with
genetic alterations and then use this data to qualify their proportion in the
sample. This is very precise information that is used to check if a small
proportion of GMOs is due is to contamination or if the genetically modified
materials have been mixed in. This information gives clear benefits to
retailers, brands, and manufacturers in case of fraud prevention and supply
chain transparency.
In recent times, there has been a sharp
rise in demand for organic cotton products. It is also seen that
genetic modifications are found in textiles even if they are labelled with
organic claims.
Source – Hohenstein
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