Qualitative PCR-based detection of genetically modified soy and maize products in Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT Soy and maize are the most cultivated genetically modified (GM) crops in the world, which are commonly used in many food products. Establishing regulations for food products containing transgenic materials are obligatory in many countries in order to provide consumers with information. For this purpose, an accurate qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied to investigate GM food products from Iran. In present study, a total of 90 non-labeled soy and maize samples were collected from Tehran’s market and their DNA were extracted by a kit. All samples were analyzed to screen the 35 S promoter and (nopaline synthase) NOS terminator elements. Having screened the GM positive samples, they were subjected to identification of specific transgenic events RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize with PCR. According to our results, 95% of soy and 60% of maize analyzed samples were positive for the 35 S promoter and NOS terminator. Furthermore, event-specific analysis indicated the presence of RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize in tested samples, while none of these food-derived samples demonstrated any GM label. The obtained results revealed that the necessity of monitoring system to provide a good reliable control of GM materials in food products and subsequently on their labeling.