Decree No. 2012-128 defining the labelling of foodstuffs from “GMO-free” qualified supply chains
GMOs
What is a Genetically Modified Organism?
What is GMO regulation?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genome has been modified using genetic engineering techniques to introduce one or more genes of interest from outside the species. These new genes, known as target events, may be flanked by markers or sequences known as “Promoter” or “Terminator”. The best known are P35s and Tnos.
In Europe, the presence of GMOs in foodstuffs and animal feed is strictly governed by regulation. Controls first rely on screening methods, mainly by real-time PCR or ELISA, to detect the possible presence of genetic sequences characteristic of GMOs. If the result is positive, a quantification analysis is carried out to determine the GMO content and verify the product’s compliance with current regulatory requirements.
Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of GMOs into the environment (experimental field studies and placing on the market)
Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 on GMOs intended for food and feed.
Regulation (EU) No. 619/2011 laying down the sampling and analysis methods for the official control of feed.
Council Regulation (EC) No. 2018/848 of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products.
CONTROL PLAN
Our expertise in GMO analysis
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More than 20 years of expertise in GMO analysis.
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Screening and quantification of more than 90 target events using high-precision methods.
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A state-of-the-art technology park of more than 200m² dedicated to GMO analysis, reflecting our capacity to handle large volumes with a high level of control.
20000
More than 20,000 samples tested for GMOs in 2025, illustrating the robustness of our processes and the scale of our activity.
Phytocontrol supports food industry professionals in the search, identification and quantification of GMOs, whether authorised or unauthorised, to ensure product compliance with French and European regulations.
Our laboratories use molecular biology methods based on real-time PCR, enabling the screening of the main markers (P35S, TNOS, FMV, BAR, NptII, PAT, Cry1Ab) as well as direct detection of genes of interest and transformation events.
Our analyses apply to all matrices, from seeds to raw materials and processed products.
- Regulation varies greatly from country to country: some impose strict labelling, others apply more lenient or even non-existent rules. Within the European Union, a demanding framework guarantees consumers the freedom to choose: any product containing more than 0.9% GMOs must be clearly labelled.
- European authorisations are valid for ten years, but only apply to consumption, not cultivation. All GMO-derived products must also comply with traceability and labelling requirements. To date, only one GMO is authorised for cultivation in the EU: MON810 maize.
Phytocontrol has developed single- and multi-event methods covering more than 90 target events
for the main plant species concerned:
- Maize: 3272, 4114, Bt10 maize, Bt11, Bt176, DAS1507, DAS59122, GA21, MIR162, MIR604, MON810, MON863, MON87403, MON87411, MON87427, MON87460, MON88017, MON89034, MZHG0JG, NK603, T25, 5307, MZIR098, 98140, LY038, VCO1981, DAS40278, MON87419, MON87429, MON95379, DP915635, DP23211, DP202216, DP51291, DP910521, MON94804, MON95275, DAS1131
- Rapeseed: 73496, OXY-235, GT73, MON88302, Ms1, Ms8, Rf1, Rf2, Rf3, T45, Topas 19/2, MON94100
- Sugar beet: H7-1, KWS20-1
- Flax: FP967
- Soya: A2704-12, A5547-127, CV127, DAS44406, DAS68416, DAS81419, DP305423, DP356043, FG72, GTS 40-3-2 (RRS), MON87701, MON87705, MON87708, MON87751, MON87769, MON89788 (RRS2), GMB151, SYHTØH2, MON94313, MON94637
- Rice: BT63 (BT Shanyou 63), Kefeng6, KMD1, LLRICE601, LLRICE62
- Potato: EH92-527-1
- Cotton: 281-24-236, 3006-210-23, GHB614, LLCotton25, MON1445, MON15985, MON531, MON88913, T304-40, COT102, GHB119, GHB811
QUALITY
Our accreditations
Phytocontrol is COFRAC-accredited for plant species: maize, soya and rapeseed.
Testimonial
How do we support Romain, Quality Manager at a soya processing plant,
in managing GMO risk?
Our customers expect perfect control of GMO risk and impeccable traceability. We needed a laboratory capable of supporting us with both routine controls and more specific requests. With Phytocontrol, we benefit from high-performance analytical methods, reliable results and genuine regulatory support. This allows us to secure our supply chain.
Beyond analysis
Our training courses
Recommended training courses
Discover 2 key training courses to quickly boost your skills
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GMOs
Understand GMO regulation and control methods.
7 hoursRegistration -
Food Defense
Strengthen the protection of your food chain against malicious acts.
7 hoursRegistration
Questions about our analyses or your project?
Our advisors respond within 24 hours. Describe your needs to us.
SECTORS
Products affected by GMOs
Phytocontrol puts its analytical expertise at the service of the agricultural and food industries to protect consumers and guarantee the quality of foodstuffs.
