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Using DNA analysis to visualize added value of food products to broaden sales

Metagenome analysis of pollen contained in honey

This technology utilizes a next-generation sequencer to comprehensively identify plant species. Plane species have mainly been identified through visualization thus far, so a unified method that uses a next-generation sequencer has not yet been established. Our company repeatedly examined various conditions and finally released this inspection method.

We simultaneously analyze DNA of pollen contained in honey to identify its plant species. (Example of utilization) We analyzed the DNA of mixed-flower honey, which has a lower unit price than single-flower honey and the characteristics of which are hard to understand. We added additional information to mixed-flower honey, and increased its unit selling price of \700 per 100 g to \1,300 per 100 g. We succeeded in cultivating new customers who seek novelty and originality. The product sold out immediately after the start of sales.
The method of meta-barcoding DNA of plant species to simultaneously analyze DNA is still a controversial field around the world. Our company repeatedly examined the optimal gene region to be read and various conditions including how to fragmentize pollen. We finally released this inspection method.     
Food has its own issues such as damage to its DNA, a small amount of DNA, and PCR inhibitors. The influence of such issues are minimized in the inspection. 

Inspection for identifying 13 types of GMO soybeans

The types of GMO soybeans cultivated around the world differ depending on the climate of each producer country. They are also affected by social situations and global supply and demand trends. In Japan, the safety of 18 types of GMO soybeans (which do not include hybrid soybeans) has been approved. Generally applied inspection methods are targeted at only three types (RRS, LLS, and RR2Y). However, our company can identify another 10 types in addition to these three types. Our inspection method has been adopted as a target of a subsidy for manufacturers. We are currently working on developing methods of identifying five other types of GMO soybeans.
Example of utilizing our inspection method in a famous natto fermented soybean and tofu manufacturer: In the context of soybean prices that have been soaring for the first time in six years, the world's soybean production is shifting to the production of GMO soybeans, which are expected to have stable yields. In this situation, securing suppliers of high-quality non-GMO soybeans that are less harmful to health is a pressing issue. Accordingly, the manufacturer utilized our inspection method, confirmed the authenticity of soybeans in Russia where commercial cultivation of GMO soybeans has not been performed, and determined to import soybeans from new and reliable suppliers in Russia, instead of suppliers in North America from which the company had imported soybeans. 

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Kanto Head Office, SMRJ