PCR-screening of genetically modified organisms in food and feed products sold in Kuwait's market

Abstract

Derivatives of biotech or genetically modified (GM) crops are widely used for food, feed, or environmental release. In the present study, 31 samples of food and feed products of corn, soybean, and rice, randomly selected from the local market of Kuwait, were screened for the presence of potential genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Conventional (qualitative) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was used to amplify the sequences of the GMO regulatory elements, the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (p35S), and the Agrobacterium nopaline synthase terminator (Tnos). Obtained results demonstrated the presence of GMO sequences in 6 out of 21, 1 out of 5, and 2 out of 5 products derived from corn, soybean, and rice, respectively. The study also reports the detection of GMOs in corn-derived animal feed products for the first time. To date, Kuwait has no routine certified system to regulate the import of biotech crops. This study highlights the need to establish legislation on GMOs and to develop a reliable regulation and labeling system for imported biotech crops and their derivatives in Kuwait.