Research laboratory services

Tender description

Annex 2 to the Northern Ireland Protocol prevents the UK in respect of NI from establishing an NRL for NI within the UK, including NI. NRL functions in respect of NI will need be carried out by an NRL located in the EU or EEA. The appointed laboratory will carry out the provision of services for the national reference laboratory for genetically modified organisms in food and feed for NI. The appointed laboratory will carry out the provision of services for the national reference laboratory for genetically modified organisms in food and feed for NI for the following areas: • the appointed laboratory will carry out the provision of services for NI National Reference Laboratory for GMOs. The NRL GMO will provide support to the official control laboratories for NI for GMO control and will be required to identify and participate as an independent expert at international GMO meetings and networks to build expertise and knowledge in the area. • the NRL will liaise with and, as and when required, provide advice to the FSA appointed laboratory responsible for the scientific assessment and validation of detection methods for GMOs in food and feed as part of the GMO authorisation of regulated products procedure in NI.