MQL prides itself in being the most efficient sampling and testing entity in the industry. We do all sampling and testing ourselves and are able to do so on site. We also respond to inquiries in best of time.
People have a right to know what they eat. The debate about the safety of GMO's has yet to be exhausted. Consumers should be able to make informed decisions when consuming food and thus ultimately their health. Most developed nations, including the EU, Japan and Australia, do not consider GMO's to be safe. These countries have implemented bans against the production and sale of GMO products. (The Non-GMO Project, 2015).
GMO testing determines the sum of genetically modified proteins present in maize or soybeans. Currently there are three known proteins in maize namely: Cry 1Ab, Cry 2A (BT-genes) and CP4 EPSPS (Roundup Ready). When testing soybeans, the presence of Roundup Ready is tested for.
Sampling consists of the following: Seed, field, bunker, trucks or railway wagons and silo bags. During seed sampling a representative sample of minimum ten bags per pallet of 40 to 50 bags are tested. Each cultivar and lot number will be sampled independently. Field sampling involves collecting at least 25 cob heads per 50 ha. Peripheral collection is done where possible. Double tests will be done if a field exceeds 80 ha. 4x4 vehicles are used to sample the perimeters of specific fields.
After sampling, in the most representative manner possible, the samples are mixed thoroughly. From this mixture a 240 g sample is weighed off and grinded in a waring blender for 30 seconds.
360 ml of tap or distilled water is poured into a container together with the grinded maize sample and shaken for 30 seconds.
After resting the sample for another 30 seconds, 20 ml of the maize and water mixture is drawn, by using a pipette, and released into a small cup.
After 30 seconds a testing strip is inserted into the small cup and left for five minutes. After five minutes the tail pads are cut from the test strips and immediately inserted into the QuickScanner for results.
GMO testing can be done on site or at the laboratory in Pretoria.
Testing equipment include Envirologix test strips, a QuickScanner and waring blender. All equipment used for sampling is industry registered.
Results of testing will be communicated telephonically where considered necessary. Reports are made available in electronic format and accessible for traders via the MQL reporting login system.
Results are deemed confidential and will only be available to the pertaining parties.
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We tested more than 136 000 hectares during the 2017/2018 season |