ISO/TS 21569-10:2026

Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis — Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products — Part 10: Construct- and event-specific detection methods for genetically modified salmon expressing CS-GHc2 growth hormone

This document specifies procedures for the detection of a DNA sequence of a construct used to (genetically) enhance the growth of fish commonly found in aquaculture. The genetically modified AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) carries the construct expressing CS-GHc2 growth hormone and can be detected based on a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting either the border between the growth hormone coding sequence (CS-GHc2) of Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Chinook salmon) and the antifreeze terminator (T-AFP) of (Macro-) Zoarces americanus (ocean pout), i.e. with the construct-specific method, or the border between the Atlantic salmon genomic DNA and the antifreeze promoter (P-AFP) of ocean pout, i.e. with the event-specific method. These methods can be applied to identify the genetically modified (GM) fish or for screening purposes. This document is applicable for the analysis of DNA extracted from foodstuffs. It can also be suitable for the analysis of DNA extracted from other products such as feedstuffs. The application of these methods requires the extraction of an adequate amount of amplifiable DNA from the relevant matrix.

Méthodes horizontales pour l'analyse de biomarqueurs moléculaires — Méthodes d'analyse pour la détection des organismes génétiquement modifiés et des produits dérivés — Partie 10: Méthodes de détection spécifiques à la construction et à l'événement pour le saumon génétiquement modifié exprimant l'hormone de croissance CS-GHc2

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 25-May-2026
• ICS: 67.120.30 - Fish and fishery products
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 34/SC 16 - Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 34/SC 16/WG 14 - Genetically engineered content detection and quantification
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 26-May-2026
• Due Date: 14-Mar-2027
• Completion Date: 26-May-2026

Relations

• Consolidates: FprCEN ISO/TS 21569-10 - Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis - Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products - Part 10: Construct- and event-specific detection methods for genetically modified salmon expressing CS-GHc2 growth hormone (ISO/DTS 21569 10:2026)
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026
• Consolidates: ISO 4980:2023 - Benefit-risk assessment for sports and recreational facilities, activities and equipment
• Effective Date: 07-Sep-2024
• Revises: ISO 21569:2005 - Foodstuffs — Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products — Qualitative nucleic acid based methods
• Effective Date: 31-Aug-2024

Overview

ISO/TS 21569-10 is an international standard developed by ISO that specifies horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis, particularly focusing on procedures for detecting genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their derivative products. This part of the ISO/TS 21569 series addresses construct- and event-specific detection methods for genetically modified (GM) salmon expressing the CS-GHc2 growth hormone. Known in commerce as AquAdvantage Atlantic salmon, this GM fish is engineered for accelerated growth, a significant trait in modern aquaculture.

The standard outlines real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) methods for detecting specific DNA sequences unique to this GM salmon, targeting either the border between the growth hormone gene (CS-GHc2 from Chinook salmon) and the antifreeze protein terminator (T-AFP from ocean pout), or the junction between the Atlantic salmon genome and the antifreeze promoter (P-AFP). These techniques can reliably differentiate AquAdvantage GM salmon from conventional salmon, supporting transparent food labeling, food safety, and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Real-time PCR Screening: Instructions for sample preparation, DNA extraction, PCR setup, and data interpretation for construct- and event-specific detection.
• Target Sequences: Detection focuses on junctions created by the genetic modification, ensuring specificity for AquAdvantage salmon.
• Sensitivity and Specificity: The validated methods deliver high sensitivity (detecting low copy numbers) and robust specificity, minimizing false positives/negatives.
• Suitability for Various Matrices: Primarily validated for DNA isolated from foodstuffs, with potential application to feedstuffs and related matrices.
• Quality Assurance: Guidance for performing analyses in accordance with best practices (e.g., following ISO 24276, ISO/IEC 17025).
• Interlaboratory Validation: Methods have been validated across multiple laboratories, helping ensure reliability, reproducibility, and comparability of results internationally.

Applications

The methods and protocols contained in ISO/TS 21569-10 provide valuable tools and guidelines for:

• Food Safety Laboratories: Routine detection and monitoring of GM salmon in processed foods, raw products, and imports to ensure compliance with regulations and labeling requirements.
• Regulatory Authorities: Enforcement of GMO labeling laws and verification of product authenticity in the food supply chain.
• Aquaculture Industry: Confirmation of genetic status in breeding programs, certification of stock, and assurance to partners and downstream users.
• Feed Manufacturers: Analysis of feed ingredients to ensure the correct GMO status of feed for livestock and fish.
• Research Organizations: Supporting studies on GMO traceability, environmental impact, and development of new analytical techniques.

These applications emphasize the essential role played by standardized GMO detection methods in supply chain integrity, consumer transparency, regulatory oversight, and international trade.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to GMO detection and molecular biomarker analysis, consider the following standards:

• ISO 21569: Foodstuffs - Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived products - Qualitative nucleic acid based methods
• ISO 21571: Foodstuffs - Methods of analysis for detection of GMOs and derived products - Nucleic acid extraction
• ISO 24276: Foodstuffs - Methods of analysis for detection of GMOs and derived products - General requirements and definitions
• ISO 16577: Vocabulary for molecular biomarker analytical methods in agriculture and food production
• CEN/TS 17329-2: General guidelines for the validation of qualitative real-time PCR methods

These related documents provide the technical vocabulary, foundational extraction methods, and broader framework necessary for laboratories and organizations implementing the detection of genetically modified salmon and other GMOs in the food chain.

---

Keywords: ISO/TS 21569-10, GMO detection salmon, genetically modified AquAdvantage salmon, CS-GHc2 growth hormone, real-time PCR GM fish, food safety standards, GMO analysis aquaculture, DNA detection salmon, ISO molecular biomarker analysis.

Standards Content (Sample)

Technical
Specification
ISO/TS 21569-10
First edition
Horizontal methods for molecular
2026-05
biomarker analysis — Methods
of analysis for the detection of
genetically modified organisms and
derived products —
Part 10:
Construct- and event-specific
detection methods for genetically
modified salmon expressing CS-
GHc2 growth hormone
Méthodes horizontales pour l'analyse de biomarqueurs
moléculaires — Méthodes d'analyse pour la détection des
organismes génétiquement modifiés et des produits dérivés —
Partie 10: Méthodes de détection spécifiques à la construction et
à l'événement pour le saumon génétiquement modifié exprimant
l'hormone de croissance CS-GHc2
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 2
5 Reagents and materials . 2
6 Apparatus . 3
7 Procedure . 3
7.1 Preparation of test samples .3
7.2 DNA extraction .3
7.3 PCR setup.3
7.4 Temperature-time programme.4
8 Accept/reject criteria . 4
8.1 General .4
8.2 Detection .5
9 Validation status and performance criteria . 5
9.1 Sensitivity .5
9.2 Specificity .5
9.3 Robustness of the two methods .7
9.4 Interlaboratory trial for the construct-specific detection method .7
9.4.1 General .7
9.4.2 PCR efficiency and limit of detection (LOD ) .8
95 %
9.4.3 False-positive and false-negative rates for DNA samples (blind samples) .9
9.5 Interlaboratory trial for the event-specific detection method .10
9.5.1 General .10
9.5.2 Validation results (blind samples) . .11
9.6 Summary evaluation .11
10 Test report .11
Bibliography .12

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 34, Food products, Subcommittee SC 16,
Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis, in collaboration with the European Committee for
Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 275, Food analysis - Horizontal methods, in accordance
with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
A list of all parts in the ISO 21569 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Technical Specification ISO/TS 21569-10:2026(en)
Horizontal methods for molecular biomarker analysis —
Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified
organisms and derived products —
Part 10:
Construct- and event-specific detection methods for
genetically modified salmon expressing CS-GHc2 growth
hormone
1 Scope
This document specifies procedures for the detection of a DNA sequence of a construct used to (genetically)
enhance the growth of fish commonly found in aquaculture. The genetically modified AquAdvantage Atlantic
salmon (Salmo salar) carries the construct expressing CS-GHc2 growth hormone and can be detected based
on a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting either the border between the growth hormone
coding sequence (CS-GHc2) of Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Chinook salmon) and the antifreeze terminator
(T-AFP) of (Macro-) Zoarces americanus (ocean pout), i.e. with the construct-specific method, or the border
between the Atlantic salmon genomic DNA and the antifreeze promoter (P-AFP) of ocean pout, i.e. with the
event-specific method. These methods can be applied to identify the genetically modified (GM) fish or for
screening purposes.
This document is applicable for the analysis of DNA extracted from foodstuffs. It can also be suitable for the
analysis of DNA extracted from other products such as feedstuffs. The application of these methods requires
the extraction of an adequate amount of amplifiable DNA from the relevant matrix.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 16577, Molecular biomarker analysis — Vocabulary for molecular biomarker analytical methods in
agriculture and food production
ISO 21569, Foodstuffs — Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived
products — Qualitative nucleic acid based methods
ISO 21571:2005, Foodstuffs — Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and
derived products — Nucleic acid extraction
ISO 24276, Foodstuffs — Methods of analysis for the detection of genetically modified organisms and derived
products — General requirements and definitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 16577 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp

— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
4 Principle
DNA is extracted from the test sample by applying a suitable method with performance characteristics in
accordance with ISO 21571:2005.
The DNA analysis consists of the following two parts:
a) verification of the amount, quality and amplifiability of the extracted DNA (not part of this method);
b) analysis using the real-time PCR detection methods targeting the CS-GHc2 - T-AFP construct inserted in
the AquAdvantage salmon genome (construct-specific method, Accession AY594644, 75 bp amplicon)
[1][2]
or targeting the border between Atlantic salmon genome and P-AFP event in the AquAdvantage
[3][4]
salmon genome (event-specific method, 156 bp amplicon) .
Detection of PCR products is done using a specific hydrolysis probe labelled with fluorescent dyes (FAM as
reporter dye and a quencher) that binds the respective target sequence between the two primers (commonly
[5]
called “TaqMan chemistry” ).
5 Reagents and materials
Chemicals of recognized analytical grade, appropriate for molecular biology, shall be used. The water used
shall be double distilled or PCR grade water (i.e. nuclease and nucleic acid free). For all operations in which
gloves are used, it should be ensured that these are powder-free. The use of aerosol-protected pipette tips as
protection against cross contamination should be used.
5.1 Interlaboratory trial and control material.
5.1.1 DNA extracted from different salmon (Salmo salar) samples, taken in the context of official
control by the Institute for Hygiene and Environment in Hamburg, Germany for the construct-specific
method, or the National Institute for Health Sciences in Japan for the event-specific method.
5.1.2 Plasmid DNA, containing the target sequences of the AquAdvantage salmon construct-specific PCR
[1][2] [3]
methods , or event-specific PCR methods .
5.2 PCR reagents.
5.2.1 PCR master mix, contains thermostable DNA polymerase (for hot-start PCR), MgCl and
deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs).
5.2.2 TE buffer, c(Tris-HCl) = 1 mmol/l, c(EDTA) = 0,1 mmol/l (pH = 8,0).
5.2.3 Oligonucleotides (see Table 1).

Table 1 — Oligonucleotides
Final concentration
Name DNA sequence of oligonucleotide
in PCR
[1][2]
CS-GHc2 - T-AFP construct as the target sequence
GH-tFreeze-F 5′ - CTC CAC Agg TTT TgA CAT gTT CA - 3′ 340 nmol/l
GH-tFreeze-R 5′ - gCC AgC AAg AgC CCA TCT C - 3′ 340 nmol/l
GH-tFreeze-P 5′ -(FAM)- TTC CTA ATC TgT ATC Tgg gAA ACC gAA CCC T -(TAMRA)- 3′ 540 nmol/l
[3]
Atlantic salmon genome - P-AFP event as the target sequence
AquAd-F 5′ - TgC TgA TgC CTC TgA TAC CAC - 3′ 800 nmol/l
AquAd-R 5′ - ATg CCT CTA gTg CAA gTT CAg TC - 3′ 800 nmol/l
AquAd-P 5′ -(FAM)- CAg TAg TAC AAC gTT ggC AgA TgT ATg AgA ACT -(BHQ1)- 3′ 100 nmol/l
FAM: 6-Carboxyfluorescein; TAMRA: 5-Carboxytetramethylrhodamin; BHQ1: black hole quencher 1
Equivalent reporter dyes and/or (internal) quencher can be used for the probe if they can be shown to yield similar or better
results.
6 Apparatus
Requirements concerning apparatus and materials shall be in accordance with ISO 21569. The usual
laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following shall be used.
6.1 Real-time PCR device, suitable for the excitation of fluorescent molecules and the detection of
fluorescence signals generated during PCR. In the interlaboratory trial, the real-time PCR devices listed in
Table 6 and 10 were used.
7 Procedure
7.1 Preparation of test samples
It should be ensured that the test sample used for DNA extraction is representative of the laboratory
sample (e.g. by grinding or homogenizing of the samples). Measures and operational steps to be taken into
consideration shall be as described in ISO 21571:2005 and ISO 24276.
7.2 DNA extraction
For the extraction of DNA from the test portion, the general instructions and requirements described in
ISO 21571 shall be followed.
7.3 PCR setup
The methods are described for a total volume of 25 μl per reaction mixture with the set-up given in Table 2.

Table 2 — Reaction set-up for PCR
Reagent Final concentration in 25 µl PCR reaction
Sample DNA (up to 200 ng for construct-specific, and 5 µl diluted DNA
50 ng for event-specific detection method) or controls
a
PCR master mix (including MgCl , dNTPs and DNA poly- 1 × concentrated
merase)
Forward and reverse primer see Table 1
Probe see Table 1
Water add to obtain 25 µl
a TM TM
In the interlaboratory trial for the construct-specific method, the TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix, no AmpErase UNG
(Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used. In the interlaboratory trial for the event-specific method, the FastStart Universal Probe
Master (Roche) was used. This information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an
endorsement by ISO of the product named. Equivalent products from other manufacturers may be used if they yield similar or
better results. If necessary, adapt the amounts of the reagents and the temperature-time programme.
Completely thaw reagents at suitable conditions. Each reagent should be carefully mixed and briefly
centrifuged immediately before pipetting. Prepare a PCR reagent mixture which contains all components
except for the sample DNA. The required amount of the PCR reagent mixture depends on the number of
reactions to be performed, including at least two additional reactions as a pipetting reserve. Add 5 µl of the
respective sample DNA to each reaction.
Mix the PCR reagent mixture, centrifuge briefly and pipette 20 µl into each reaction vial. For the amplification
reagent control, add 5 µl water into the respective reaction set-up. Pipette either 5 µl of sample DNA or 5 µl
of the respective control solution (extraction blank control, positive DNA target control, negative control)
into the respective well and seal the reaction compartments. A PCR inhibition control should be carried out
as described in ISO 24276:2006 (e.g. using a 1:4 dilution of the extracted DNA).
Transfer the reaction set-ups into the real-time PCR device and start the temperature-time programme (see
Table 3).
7.4 Temperature-time programme
The temperature-time programme as outlined in Table 3 has been used in the validation study. The use of
different reaction conditions and real-time PCR cyclers can require specific optimization. Depending on the
PCR instrument or PCR master mix used, the temperature-time programme can require adjustments.
Table 3 — Temperature-time programme
Method Step Parameter Temperature Time Fluorescence Cycles
measurement
1 Initial denaturation 95 °C 10 min no 1
Denaturation 95 °C 15 s no
2 Amplification 45
Annealing and
60 °C 60 s yes
elongation
1 Initial denaturation 95 °C 10 min no 1
Denaturation 95 °C 15 s no
2 Amplification 45
Annealing and
57 °C 60 s yes
elongation
8 Accept/reject criteria
8.1 General
The evaluation of PCR amplification results is performed with the respective device-specific data analysis
programme. If the amplification of the target sequence is successful in a sample (positive result), the cycle

Event- Construct-
specific specific
detection detection
number of interest will occur when the accumulated fluorescence signal exceeds a specified threshold for
the first time (C value).
q
8.2 Detection
The target sequence is considered as det
...