BÖNNIGHEIM, GERMANY (Jan. 16, 2020) – Hohenstein has earned accreditation to test cotton for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) according to a new protocol that forms the basis of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Version 6.0, set for re-lease in March 2020. Hohenstein is one of only a few institutes worldwide to qualify.

The new protocol was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) International Workshop Agreement (IWA). The ISO IWA was formed in an effort to implement an official, standardized GMO testing protocol for GOTS certification.

GOTS is an internationally recognized standard for organic, natural fibers. While not all non-GMO cotton is organic, all organic cotton must be free of GMOs to be approved by GOTS. Beginning with GOTS Version 6.0, testing to verify non-GMO seed cotton is re-quired.

Hohenstein performs the GOTS-approved GMO test by isolating cotton DNA from the undyed product and testing for the worldwide most common cotton lines. A positive test result clearly indicates that genetically modified cotton seeds had been used.

This is one of three methods of testing for GMOs offered by Hohenstein, which has also developed detection methods that can be used on cotton further down the supply chain, including raw fiber, yarn, fabric and finished goods. Hohenstein has been accredited ac-cording to ISO 17025 by DAKKS for all three methods. In addition, GMO testing is car-ried out in accordance with STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.