The ILSI International Food Biotechnology Committee (IFBiC) was established in 1997 to support the development and harmonization of science-based regulations around the world for biotechnology-derived food products and to disseminate science-based information regarding the safety assessment of these products to governments, industry, academia, and other interested groups around the world. 

Upcoming Event!
First Announcement: Workshop on Sampling and Detection of Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds, Grains, and Foods
November  2009 (exact dates to be announced)
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA

What does it take to develop and implement analytical methods for detection of GM products across the food supply and processing chain and how do you interpret results of such analyses? ILSI International Food Biotechnology Committee (IFBiC) offers industry, government and academic stakeholders in North America a 2-day symposium with leading experts in GM sampling and detection to increase your understanding of the science underlying such methods and of ongoing international harmonization efforts.  There is an optional hands-on laboratory course designed to highlight real-world testing scenarios and technologies where PCR and immunochemical methods will be explored in more depth.  Some attendees will qualify to become trainers for future workshops. All participants receive a certificate of completion.

IFBiC is a global leader in delivering training workshops on sampling and detection of GM products.  If you are interested in learning more about this signature program and/or joining us this fall, please contact Marci Levine, mlevine@ilsi.org.

Check  often for more details, including announcement of dates, information on free registration, and workshop agenda.

Space will be limited limited; the laboratory practical requires submission of a résumé.

Proposed Program
2-day Symposium (open): Learn the latest information on the application of methods of analysis for detection of transgenic protein and DNA in different seed, grain and food matrices.  Understand critical aspects of sampling-from the grain and food supply chain to the laboratory, and learn about statistical tools to assist with data interpretation Enhance knowledge of global approaches to validating methods and setting standards Gain insights into international harmonization efforts for  these methods Increase awareness of sound testing facility design Identify additional resources for sound information on many issues related to GM detection Engage in discussions with yours peers and other stakeholders in industry, academia, and government.

2-half-day Laboratory Practical sessions (limited to 30 participants, résumé required): Experience hands on testing through a laboratory practical course designed to highlight strengths and limitations of real-world testing scenarios and technologies. No past lab experience required:  practice PCR, and immunochemical (ELISA and LFS) methods in small groups led by professional expert instructors. Discuss the use of PCR and immunochemical approaches and meet experts and other interested stakeholders in an informal laboratory setting.

Workshop Benefits: Apply what you learn to your role in industry, academia, or government Be a part of discussions related to harmonization and validation of methods within North America and across the world. Become a trainer for future workshops Receive Certificate of Completion.

ILSI IFBiC has established itself around the world as a leader in delivering capacity building training workshops on the issues of sampling and detection methods.  If you are interested in learning more about this program and/or joining us this fall, please contact Marci Levine, mlevine@ilsi.org.

In order to accommodate all interested parties we need to have an estimate of the anticipated attendance.  Space is limited, and the laboratory practical will require submission of a résumé, so contact us today.  Dates to be announced soon.

New Publication!  Evaluation of Protein Safety in the Context of Agricultural Biotechnology
Published as supplement in Food and Chemical Toxicology, this unique document brings together a considerable body of information about the science underlying protein safety assessment and puts forth a scientifically based two-tiered, weight-of evidence strategy to assess the safety of novel proteins used in the context of agricultural biotechnology.

Recommendations draw upon knowledge of the biological and chemical characteristics of proteins and testing methods for evaluating potential intrinsic hazards of chemicals. The application of this strategy is presented using examples of transgenic proteins applied for agricultural input and output traits in genetically modified crops along with recommendations for future research considerations related to protein safety assessment.

Citation: Delaney B, Astwood JD, Cunny H, Eichen Conn R, Herouet-Guicheney C, MacIntosh S, Meyer Linda S, Privalle L, Gao, Y, Mattson J, Food and Chemical Toxicology 46 (2008) S71–S97 doi:10.1016/j.fct.2008.01.045.

Please contact Dr. Marci Levine by E-mail at mlevine@ilsi.org, for a copy of this manuscript or for additional information about this or other ILSI IFBiC activities.

RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Workshop on Sampling and Analytical Detection Methods for Products of Agricultural Biotechnology in NAFTA Countries, October 11-12, 2007.
This workshop enabled researchers from the US, Canada, and Mexico to review scientific criteria necessary for considering how to apply methods of sampling and analysis for the detection of GM products.  Participants from the responsible government agencies and other key experts shared their perspectives and latest research on the first day.  The second day, provided the opportunity to discuss the scientific and communication gaps and ways to bridge these gaps were proposed.  Ultimately, it is hoped that this activity will be a step towards the development of a road map with the agencies for a harmonized science-based  approach to testing.

Click to view the Background Paper (which is also available in Spanish and Portuguese), Workshop Program and Presentations.

Summary of IFBiC, HESI, and ILSI Research Foundation Worskhop on Biotechnology Activities
IFBiC, HESI, and the ILSI Research Foundation co-organized a workshop on ILSI activities on biotechnology on 15 April 2008.  Click here for more information and a link to the workshop presentations.

Publication Available:

IFBiC CORE ACTIVITIES (Outreach and Education)

• Training Workshops on Safety and Risk Assessment of GM Foods and Feeds
• Training Workshops on Sampling and Detection Methods for GM Foods 
• Biotechnology-derived Nutritious Foods for Developing Countries: Needs, Opportunities and Barriers

Best Practices for the Conduct of Animal Studies to Evaluate Genetically Modified Crops 

ILSI Crop Composition Database 

Expert Scientific Paper on Safety Evaluation of Proteins Introduced into Food and Feed Crops 

Application of Food and Feed Safety Assessmen Principles to Evaluate Biotechnolgy-Derived Crops Produced Using New Technologies: Modifications that Affect Endogenous Plant Gene Expression

OTHER COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

• The committee developed an ILSI Resource Guide on key scientific publications in key topics on biotech, including general food safety, protein safety, allergy assessment, and substantial equivalence.  This guide, updated on a regular basis, contains titles of over 1,200 publications and reports.  The guide is available by clicking here.
• The committee regularly interacts with the ILSI Regional Entities and together they have established the ILSI BiotechNetwork.  The ILSI BiotechNetwork facilitates communication of activities, identification and prioritization of common regional and international program goals, and fosters opportunities for collaboration through quarterly conference calls and a portal for ILSI staff and interested members.

HISTORY

This committee was formed based on the needs of ILSI members and the critical roles that ILSI played in the development of two seminal reports:

• 1990 Report entitled "Biotechnologies and Food: Assuring the Safety of Foods Produced by Genetic Modification" published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, a collaboration with the International Food Biotechnology Council, which was the first comprehensive guidance document on the food safety assessment for foods derived from biotechnology; and
• Series of reports published in 1996 in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition under the leadership of the ILSI Allergy and Immunology Institute (AII), which provided guidance for assessing the allergenic potential of foods derived from biotechnology.  The concepts and recommendations contained in these key documents have served and continue to serve as key international contributions to the science-based safety assessment of foods derived from biotechnology.

The ILSI International Food Biotechnology Committee has made and continues to make significant scientific contributions to the development and harmonization of the food safety assessment of biotechnology crops, and provides access to critical, up-to-date scientific information to key public and private stakeholders around the world.  The committee conducts two types of activities: core activities, supported by all member companies; and task force activities, supported by at least five member companies.

For more information about this or other IFBiC activities, please contact Dr. Marci Levine, mlevine@ilsi.org.