GMOs must be adequately secured during internal transport
Dr. Annabel Höpfner
Adequate packaging must also be provided for the internal transport of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) between different genetic engineering facilities.
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According to the new GenTSV (e.g. Annex 2 AI b) No. 9 to Section 14 GenTSV), which comes into force in March 2021, samples containing GMOs, as well as waste, must be transported in tightly closed, shatter-proof, disinfectable, and appropriately labeled containers during internal transport between genetic engineering facilities in safety level 1 genetic engineering facilities. That's the theory... In practice, this means that appropriate containers or transport boxes must be available that can be kept tightly closed and are protected against breakage. If, for example, a used container falls to the ground during transport, it must not burst or open. In principle, this also applies to the transport of small reaction vessels that are taken within the building to a neighboring genetic engineering facility for analysis. They, too, must be packed in an appropriate container for this purpose. This process is common practice for most employees, even if it sometimes seems cumbersome. But it must also be considered when, for example, autoclave bags filled with waste are transported to other genetic engineering facilities. Depending on the amount of waste and the capacity of the autoclave, larger quantities can accumulate. Even then, this waste must be transported in containers designed for this purpose. It is generally not a problem when transporting genetically modified animals, as they are kept in cages anyway. But the transport of plants must also be mentioned here. Quickly fetching a plant from the greenhouse to start the desired experiment also requires a suitable and sufficiently large container. This regulation is actually perfectly understandable, as the top priority is to avoid the unintentional release of GMOs. Nevertheless, great care should be taken with this safety measure when training employees. It makes sense to use relevant examples to clarify where in the daily laboratory routine of this genetic engineering facility the transport of GMO-containing samples or waste occurs, and which containers are used at these locations. This quickly raises awareness among new employees of the points where transport must be carried out in appropriate containers.