PCR Based Detection of Genetically Modified Soy in Processed Foods Commercially Available in Saudi Arabia

Ibrahim Abdullah Alaraidh

doi:10.24200/squjs.vol14iss0pp17-23

Ibrahim Abdullah Alaraidh

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.24200/squjs.vol14iss0pp17-23

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Abstract

In this research, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique was applied to detect the presence of GMO sold in the Saudi Arabian market. This method was applied to detect genetically modified soy (GM-soy) in particular the roundup ready soy (RRS). To confirm the presence of soy, samples were first tested for the existence of the soy specific lectin gene. A total of eighty samples were tested out of which two samples tested positive as GM-soy. Not surprisingly, the findings showed the existence of GM-soy in food products in Saudi. This supports the necessity of developing precise quantitative and qualitative ways for routine analyses and detection of GMO products in the Saudi Arabian market. With the discovery of GM products in the Saudi Arabian market it would be of no surprise that other Middle Eastern nations also knowingly or unknowingly import GM crops.

Highlights

Nowadays, utilizing genetically modified soys (GMOs) as food and in food products has become common
The samples that contained GMO were exposed to analysis of specific transgenic material (Roundup ReadyTM Soy specific gene) to define the kind of GMO present (Lin et al, 2000)
It turned out that a high yield of genomic DNA had been extracted from the samples. This was enough to be used as a template for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the concerned gene. 2 samples out of 80 soy samples (2.5%) were positive for the two introduced genetic elements, the promoter (P35S) and structural gene (RRO) genes as shown in figures 1, 2 and 3

Summary

Introduction

Nowadays, utilizing genetically modified soys (GMOs) as food and in food products has become common. Maize and soy are the most cultivated GMOs. Maize and soy are the most cultivated GMOs They constitute a basic component of many prepared foods (Gachet et al, 1999). Particular labeling requisites have to be applied – in conformity with the European rules – to foodstuff which are not equivalent to a present food ingredient (Regulation 1139/98). The Saudi Authorities have issued a legislation that imported food should be labeled if contains genetically modified materials indicating that that the product is genetically modified (Regulation 1666). It is essential to use analytical methods to detect GMOs in varied foods so as to investigate accordance with labeling requirements

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Conclusion