// GOOD TO KNOW

1. Difference between PCR (-ve)* and IP lecithin.

IMCOPA offers mainly certified IP lecithin. This means the product comes with fully documented traceability, i.e. it has been produced so that its origin can be traced back to its production source. PCR testing of representative samples at control points along the supply chain verify that systems and procedures are working properly to exclude GM contamination. “PCR (-ve)” means no GM DNA was detected at a specified level according to the methodology employed; it does not imply that the lecithin was produced from non-GMO soybeans.

2. "Non-GMO" cannot be claimed for PCR (-ve) lecithin.

“PCR (-ve)” is simply the outcome of a test on a sample of lecithin and does not confer any Non-GMO status nor conventional origin on its own since the lecithin could be filtered, removing all traces of DNA. Furthermore, as a statement it may be false and therefore infringing on EU Regulation (EC) No. 1829/2003 – the so-called Labelling Regulation.

3. Labelling for GM in relation to current EU regulations, when <0,9% PCR(-ve) is used.

Not provided it can be proven that the contamination is ‘adventitious’ (accidental). If the supplier regularly produces the product at, for example, 0.6% GM then that is not adventitious and the product would need to be labelled. Likewise, if the ordering procedure indicates, e.g., that the product ordered is “allowed to contains max. 0.9% GMO content” there is no room for adventitiousness.

4. Difference between "GMO Free", and "Non GMO".

GMO Free is regarded as an absolute claim that is either illegal or, depending on the jurisdiction, clearly defined. There is no usually scope for any variance from the “free” status, even by minute amounts below 0.1%.

 * PCR Negative