First comprehensive GMOs testing in Lebanon: Screening, identification and quantification of GM soybean imports

Abstract

We present for the first time in Lebanon a comprehensive GMOs testing regime of all forty eight soybean imported feed consignments during a fifteen-month period. First, p35S screening was performed using either conventional or Real-Time PCR and showed that all samples are positive. Moreover, p35S quantification in some samples via Real-Time PCR demonstrated a remarkably high percentage. Subsequently, GTS 40-3-2 soybean identification was conducted on several samples using a validated Real-Time PCR method and showed that all are positive. Finally, GTS 40-3-2 quantification via the same method showed that the samples contain a surprisingly high percentage, consistent with p35S quantification.Our study provides for the first time in Lebanon a complete GMOs analysis of imported soybean feed consignments encompassing screening, identification and quantification according to ISO 17025:2005 standard. Our results demonstrate that GM feed is imported to Lebanon which signifies the importance of developing and implementing Lebanese regulatory measures.