International standards for food and fiber 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” ensures that standardized biomolecular testing methods and laboratory criteria for agriculture and food production are reproducible and technically sound reducing potential disputes 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 and fiber authenticity, varietal identification and genetically engineered (GMO) products.