GENETIC ID RESPONDS TO INDUSTRY NEED FOR Bt10 DETECTION

(Augsburg, Germany, 31 March 2005) It was recently reported that an unapproved GM maize variety known as Bt10*) was inadvertently released into the food supply chain and international export channels over a four
year period. Subsequently, many North American food industry operators are being required to perform additional PCR testing of their products to confirm the absence of Bt10. In response, Genetic ID, the pioneer and a
global leader in genetically modified organism (GMO) detection and identification, has responded by providing the industry with a precise and reliable DNA-based PCR test to confirm the presence or absence of Bt10.

The accidental release of Bt10 is a highly regrettable situation for many companies exporting to EU food and feed markets already concerned about the presence of GMOs,? says Dr. Jochen P. Zoller, CEO of Genetic
ID (Europe) AG. Many global GM regulations including those of the EU and Japan have zero tolerance provisions for unapproved GM varieties.

For more information on Genetic ID s Varietal IDsm test for Bt10, contact Genetic ID (Europe) on +49 (821) 747.7630

PCR is recognized internationally as the most sensitive and accurate test for GM grains and foods. Other methods such as ELISA and lateral flow strip? tests detect the genetically modified protein expressed by the
GM plant. However, protein expression can vary throughout the plant, making accurate GM detection difficult. In contrast, PCR directly detects the GM DNA sequence, thus providing greater analytical accuracy. In addition, PCR can quantify GMO content more accurately and it works with a much wider range of processed foods.

In the case of Bt10, protein tests cannot distinguish this GMO from Bt11, because the same protein is produced in both Bt10 and Bt11. Thus PCR is the only method capable of ascertaining the presence/absence of Bt10.

Nearly 10 years of reliable GMO detection

For nearly 10 years, grain suppliers, food and feed manufacturers worldwide have come to rely upon Genetic ID s PCR technology for fast, reliable, and highly accurate GMO detection. Genetic ID offers PCR-based
tests for all GMOs, while tests based on other principles (ELISA and strip tests) are available for only a handful of the many GMOs in the marketplace.

Genetic ID s methods contain a rigorous system of controls, standards, cross-checks and balances to eliminate analytical errors from occurring, thus ensuring the tightest security against both false positive and false
negative results. The methodologies have been proven on tens of thousands of samples.

In addition, Genetic ID was the first laboratory to receive accreditation for GMO quantitative and varietal screening from the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). UKAS accreditation is recognized throughout
Europe, with bilateral and multilateral agreements with countries on five continents.

Genetic ID offers its test for Bt10 through its laboratories in Germany, the U.S., and Japan, as well as through Genetic ID s Global Laboratory Alliance members in Brazil, Britain, Italy, China, Singapore, Taiwan,
India, South Korea and, again, the U.S. As the food industry faces these types of challenges, Genetic ID will
respond with proven, precise, accurate and reliable analytical tests, thus enabling food and feed manufacturers to respond to market, client and consumer needs,? says Zoller.

For more information on Genetic IDs Varietal IDsm test for Bt10, contact Genetic ID (Europe) on +49 (821) 747.76-30 or write to
info-europe@genetic-id.com.