Project description
How to detect and trace NGT-derived products
Current methods to detect genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are sometimes not suitable for new genomic techniques (NGT) products, which lack clearly identifiable genetic elements. The EU-funded DETECTIVE project will pioneer advanced detection methods for plant and animal products from NGTs to enable traceability, transparency and informed consumer choice. It will explore cutting-edge methods, validated in national reference labs, alongside machine learning-based screening and also delve into non-technical identity preservation strategies. DETECTIVE is committed to engaging stakeholders, fostering a community of practice that allows enforcement authorities, public and private laboratories, developers and agri-food operators to share knowledge and expertise. By communicating to broader audiences, the project aims to disseminate NGT innovations and facilitate the transition to sustainable food systems.
Objective
DETECTIVE will develop and validate approaches to detect, identify, and quantify plant and animal products resulting from new genomic techniques (NGTs). NGT products are currently regulated as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the EU. This means that they are subject to authorisation procedures, which include event-specific methods for detection, identification, and quantification of the corresponding food and feed products. However, the analytical methods commonly used for transgenic GMOs are often not suitable for NGT products as these often do not contain genetic elements that allow unambiguous traceability. DETECTIVE will investigate the technical forefront for detection including the latest PCR-based and sequencing approaches for NGT products with known and unknown genetic alterations, and validate these in national enforcement laboratories. We will build a cluster of databases to enable Machine Learning-based screening. While technical detection may be limited, DETECTIVE will also look into non-technical approaches to traceability and authenticity to develop comprehensive solutions, including their respective economic and legal implications, to a wide range of NGT products. By taking a systemic and holistic approach, DETECTIVE will identify the boundary conditions that traceability approaches need to meet. The results will promote NGT research and innovation (R&I) that enable a resilient primary production (agriculture and animal husbandry) of highly nutritional food products and thereby contribute to a sustainable, healthy and inclusive food system in Europe that enables choice for both producers and consumers. DETECTIVE is a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral consortium and its links to relevant stakeholders through a Stakeholder Advisory Board will enable an improved understanding and awareness of the challenges related to traceability, authenticity and transparency of NGT-derived products.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation ActionsCoordinator
750 07 Uppsala
Sweden
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Participants (16)
2021 Lefkosia
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
9820 Merelbeke
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7712 Herseaux
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
5030 Gembloux
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1220 Wien
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91058 Erlangen
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1000 LJUBLJANA
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05-870 Blonie
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38116 BRAUNSCHWEIG
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00-330 Warszawa
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6708 PB Wageningen
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1000 Bruxelles / Brussel
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2905 AT Capelle Aan Den Ijssel
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95447 Bayreuth
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5032 Isnes (Gembloux)
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
10783 BERLIN
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Partners (3)
Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
2000 NEUCHATEL
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
1049 Bruxelles / Brussel
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Partner organisations contribute to the implementation of the action, but do not sign the Grant Agreement.
200030 SHANGHAI
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