Allergens & GMO Testing

Our laboratories employ molecular biology techniques such as E.L.IS.A., PCR, LC-MS/MS​ for the determination of GMOs, allergens and identification of animal, plant, and bacterial species.

Allergens Testing

Safety concerns on listed allergens are growing amongst policy makers. Whilst they cannot be considered as full “contaminants”, they may still be lethal in some cases. As a result, proper labelling for allergens has become of major importance.

Cotecna's food safety laboratories provide clients with testing and labelling solutions across the supply chain.

Our allergens testing services are based on traditional Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or advanced Digital PCR methods (both for DNA detection), or immuno assays / antigenic methods, such as E.L.I.S.A. (specific reaction of antigens in contact with antibodies) for protein detection.

The analytical package for allergen detection is completed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS / MS), an instrumental technique that plays a fundamental role in confirming E.L.I.S.A. and PCR results.

The choice of the method is key in order to ensure an appropriate level of sensitivity (detecting at low quantity) and specificity (not confusing several detecting precise compounds).

GMO Testing

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are still strictly controlled by governments. Seeds manufacturers and agri traders have to perform tests to screen their products according to each area of regulation, especially in the European Union which is the most restrictive area when it comes to the importing, growing, and selling of genetically modified crops.

The analysis methods we provide for GMO testing are based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to screen the DNA that may have been modified.

Request an Analysis

To learn more about our food safety services, or to request and analysis for your business, please contact us.