Theo Prins

Theo Prins is a Researcher at Wageningen University & Research within the Department of Food Safety Research, where he leads the National Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified feed/food project (2009-2025). He specializes in molecular detection methods and food safety assessment as part of the Team Virology, GGO & Visual Techniques.

His research focuses on genetically modified organism (GMO) detection, DNA-based food authentication, mycotoxin analysis, and safety evaluation of novel food sources like insect-based products. Prins develops advanced molecular techniques including multiplex PCR and DNA metabarcoding for identifying GMOs and endangered species in complex food matrices, addressing critical food safety challenges in global supply chains.

Recent publications highlight his work on the EUginius database for comprehensive GMO identification and safety assessments of black soldier fly larvae reared on waste streams. His research demonstrates consistent innovation in DNA extraction validation and real-time PCR methodologies for food safety applications.

Prins actively contributes to international food safety initiatives through conference presentations on genome-edited organisms and global information sharing systems. His work is sustained by the long-term NRL GM feed/food project, reflecting institutional commitment to his research agenda.

He operates within Wageningen Food Safety Research's collaborative environment, working with multidisciplinary teams on cutting-edge food authentication and safety projects using advanced genomic tools.