Oeko-Tex unveils GMO test for organic cotton
Oeko-Tex unveils GMO test for organic cotton
Thu Apr 12 2018
Oeko-Tex, that provides
standardised solutions which optimise customers’ manufacturing processes and
help deliver high quality and sustainable products, has launched genetically
modified organisms (GMO) test for organic cotton. With GMO, a molecular level
indicator, companies can test whether or not cotton products meet a fundamental
definition of organic.
Today, about 70 per cent of
cotton globally is genetically altered. For example, some forms of cotton have
been engineered to be herbicide-resistant. Others have been infused with an
insecticide to kill pests like boll weevils. While the industry can make strong
arguments in favour of these cotton DNA modifications, the producers and
consumers of organic cotton reject them. They place greater value on the
environmental, social, and product safety paybacks that they perceive organic
cotton offers.
To qualify as organic and to be
marketed as such, cotton must meet a comprehensive list of criteria governing
the cultivation, processing, and segregation of the cotton. One major
requirement is that the cotton plants cannot be genetically engineered.
New GMO testing by Oeko-Tex
provides a straightforward manner to test for genetically modified organisms in
organic cotton. Samples are analysed using RT-PCR (reverse
transcription-polymerase chain reaction) technology, which can identify known
genetically modified materials at a limit of 0.1 per cent. Test results clearly
indicate whether these GMOs were detected or not. Organic cotton products
seeking Standard by Oeko-Tex certification will be required to undergo GMO
testing. GMO testing is optional for other products. Currently, the GMO testing
technology is limited to cotton.
Georg Dieners, Oeko-Tex general
secretary said, “The new GMO testing gives manufacturers and marketers
confidence that their organic cotton products meet regulatory and consumer
expectations with regards to GMOs as well as the independent, traceable
documentation to prove it.”
Source: http://www.fibre2fashion.com/
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