DETECTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED MAIZE IN FOODS AND FEEDSTUFF BY PCR METHODS

Abstract

In this study twenty six maize kernels and 64 processed maize food including maize flour, starch, corn flakes were collected from different markets located in Turkey, analyzed for genetic modification using the polymerase chain reaction. The samples were examined for the presence of genetic elements located in the majority of transgenic crops such as NOS terminator and CaMV 35S promoter using conventional PCR and then verified real time PCR, too. Additionally, Bt11, Bt176, Mon810, CBH351 and T25 events which have been enjoyed, limited data in Turkey, examined in the products using conventional PCR. Then, quantification of the all lines (except CBH351) was performed via real time PCR too. The results indicated that foreign genetic elements were found in analyzed 14 samples raw and processed materials and the quantity in one sample (maize flour) was greater than 0.9%, the limit at which labeling is required by Biosafety Law in Turkey.