Asia Pacific Workshop on the Detection and Identification of LMOs

POSTED ON BEHALF OF JOE SAID
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Dear Forum Participants,

As outlined by the Secretariat during the closing of this discussion, I would like to share a summary of the main points raised during the discussion. I would also like to thank all those who participated.

The aim of this discussion was to share practical experiences and knowledge on sample preparation from different matrices including considerations for troubleshooting. The contributions highlighted how sample preparation is one of the more critical steps in the LMO testing process in particular how the homogeneity and representativeness of the laboratory and test samples impacts the quality of the results that are reported by the laboratory. The contributions also briefly addressed topics such as sample preparation including homogenization or grinding. Additional relevant information on this topic can be found in the draft training manual Module 3 on “Sample Preparation and Extraction” at https://www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/bs/mop-08/information/bs-mop-08-inf-06-en.pdf.

Your contributions also contained information on techniques involved in bulk sampling of consignments while stressing that the proper execution of this step is critical in providing the laboratory with a true representative sample and, ultimately, in obtaining reliable and consistent results. A number of resources on this topic that provided further details on some standard procedures in this area were also shared, including:

- Guidelines for sample preparation procedures in GMO analysis. Available at: http://gmo-crl.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ENGL/docs/WG-SPP-Final-Report.pdf

- Commission recommendation on technical guidance for sampling and detection of genetically modified organisms and material produced from genetically modified organisms as or in products in the context of Regulation. Available at: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32004H0787&from=EN

- FAO General Guidelines on Sampling. Available at: http://www.fao.org/uploads/media/Codex_2004_sampling_CAC_GL_50.pdf

Finally, I would like to thank everyone once again for your contributions to the forum and I hope the resources that were shared here will be of use to everyone and I look forward to opportunities to collaborate with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Joe