DETECTION OF NGT PRODUCTS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (DETECTIVE)

General introduction

Being able to detect, track and thus create transparency around New Genomic Technique products (NGTs) is a scientific and societal challenge, which the DETECTIVE project addresses. NGT or Crispr-Cas is the latest generation of technologies to make more precise and limited (surgical) changes to a plant's genome to give it a better trait while leaving all existing traits intact. Currently, the EU makes NGTs legally subject to the same regulation as GMOs (which have been around for some time), in which the plant genome is modified more broadly and with potentially non-species-specific material. The legal classification entails that each NGT is subject to an authorization procedure. This requires an event-specific method to identify, quantify and ultimately label any presence of a GMO (genetically modified organism) - in this case an NGT - in (mixed) food and feed. Traditional GMO analysis methods are in many cases unusable for NGT products. Data-based approaches, among others, are being explored as a research avenue in this project. 

Research approach

DETECTIVE is developing approaches for detection, including the latest PCR-based and sequencing methods, of NGT products with known and unknown genetic alterations, and will validate them in national enforcement laboratories. Because technical detection can be limited, DETECTIVE will also look at non-technical approaches to allow traceability and authenticity for a wide range of NGT products. A cluster of databases will be built to enable NGT screening based on machine learning.

Relevance/Valorisation

This is a multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral project. The researchers expect that this systemic and holistic approach will promote research and innovation in the field of NGTs. The ultimate use of NGTs in resilient production (agriculture and livestock) of food products can contribute to a sustainable, healthy and safe food system in Europe, with freedom of choice for both producers and consumers. Transparency and accepted, feasible methods are beneficial in shaping innovation policy in this area.

Disciplines:Agricultural plant production not elsewhere classified, Food sciences and (bio)technology not elsewhere classified, Biotechnology for agricultural, forestry, fisheries and allied sciences not elsewhere classified, Agricultural plant breeding and biotechnology

Project type:Collaboration project