International Standards for Food Authenticity and Allergen Detection from ISO TC 34/SC 16 Horizontal Methods for Molecular Biomarker Analysis

Abstract

ISO Technical Committee 34 “Food Products”/Subcommittee 16 “Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis” works to ensure that standardized biomolecular testing and laboratory criteria are reproducible and technically sound reducing potentialdisputes between exporting and importing nations and increasing predictability in world trade. Harmonized, easy to handle methods of analysis with defined patterns and known nomenclatures bring more customers to the market. TC 34/SC 16 has increased international stakeholders’ participation in standardizing biomarker testing, improved the quality and relevance of these standards and continues to increase transparency in international markets, particularly for food authenticity, varietal identification and genetically engineered (GMO) products. ISO standards have been adopted by Codex Alimentarius and many governments throughout the world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO.org) was formed in 1946. It is an independent, nongovernmental voluntary consensus standard body based in Geneva, Switzerland with a membership of 165 national standards bodies. The US ISO member is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI.org) a consortium of US standardization organizations. ISO TC 34/SC 16 was created in 2008. There are 45 participating countries. Contributing organizations in liaison with TC 34/SC 16 include AOAC International, Cereals and Grains Association, the European Commission, the International Seed Testing Association, the US Pharmacopeia, the European Plant Protection Organization and the International Plant Protection Convention. The scope of TC 34/SC 16 is, "Standardization of biomolecular testing methods applied to foods, feeds, seeds and other propagules of food and feed crops." The US delegation responsible for developing the US position for standards development in food authenticity and allergen detection is called the US Technical Advisory Group (TAG). It was delegated to the American Oil Chemist’s Society (AOCS.org) by ANSI. AOCS also hosts the TC 34/SC 16 international secretariat.