Two Public Analysts' Laboratories join European Network of GMO Laboratories

Two Public Analysts' Laboratories, Worcestershire Scientific Services (WSS) and Somerset Scientific Services, have been admitted to the European Network of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Laboratories (ENGL) following authorisation by the Food Standards Agency.

The European Network of GMO Laboratories (ENGL) is a unique platform of EU experts that play an eminent role in the development, harmonisation and standardisation of means and methods for sampling, detection, identification and quantification of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or derived products in a wide variety of matrices, covering seeds, grains, food, feed and environmental samples.

Membership of ENGL provides a forum for meetings and training as well as access to an Intranet site with discussion boards and information on the latest developments in GMO analysis. No direct funding flows from membership although some meeting expenses are covered. further details can be found at http://engl.jrc.it/.

Somerset Scientific Services and Worcestershire Scientific Services are both in the process of adding quantitative GMO analysis by Real Time PCR to their UKAS scope of accreditation. Access to EU experts will be a valuable resource.