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/