Abstract
The aim of this paper is to trace genetically modified soybean in food and feed products present on the Romanian market by using molecular extraction, identification and quantification methodologies. Nine samples (3 food samples, 5 soybean samples and 1 soybean meal) were analysed using the classical and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. DNA-genetically modified organism (GMO) was not detected in two of the three analysed samples (food products). However, it could be found in four samples ranging below the limit of 0.9%, and in three samples, above the limit of 0.9%. The results obtained through real-time PCR quantification show that DNA-RRS was detectable in different amounts in different samples: ranging between 0.27% and 9.36% in soy beans, and reaching 50.98% in soybean meal. The current research focuses on how products containing GMO above the limit (it is common knowledge that it is necessary to label the products containing more than 0.9% Genetically Modified DNA) are differentiated on the market with a view to labeling food and feed products in terms of the accidental presence of approved genetically modified plants. The benefits brought by genetic engineering in obtaining genetically modified organisms can be balanced with their public acceptance and with certain known or unknown risks that they can bring.
Highlights
As a European Union Member State, Romania was forced to give up transgenic soybean because the cultivation of this product is not approved in the EU
DNA-genetically modified organism (GMO) was undetectable in two samples—food products (931, 932); detectable below the 0.9% quantification limit in four samples—a sample of food (447) and three samples of soy beans (342, 343, 345), and detectable beyond the limit of 0.9% in two samples—soy beans (344, 446) and soybean meal (71) (Table 1)
The results obtained through real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quantification, as presented in Table 2, reveal that DNA-RRS was detectable in a relative amount of 0.27% in soy bean and 9.36% in soybean grains, and in soybean meal amounting to 50.98%
Summary
The importance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is attached to the characteristics deriving from the presence of new genes or gene fragments in their genome, which give them certain advantages: resistance to disease and pests, tolerance to herbicides or adaptation to stress (extreme temperatures, drought, salinity or acidity of the soil). There are not many countries in the EU which cultivate soybean, not genetically modified, and we have to acknowledge that there is a high demand. This genetically modified plant (GMP) is not cultivated, and soy beans and grains are heavily imported from Argentina, Brazil, the USA and so on, that is, from major transgenic soybean countries
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