Abstract
In most countries, systems are in place to analyse food products for the potential presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), to enforce labelling requirements and to screen for the potential presence of unauthorised GMOs. With the growing number of GMOs on the world market, a larger diversity of methods is required for informative analyses. In this paper, the specificity of an extended screening set consisting of 32 screening methods to identify different crop species (endogenous genes) and GMO elements was verified against 59 different GMO reference materials. In addition, a cost- and time-efficient strategy for DNA isolation, screening and identification is presented. A module for semiautomated analysis of the screening results and planning of subsequent event-specific tests for identification has been developed. The Excel-based module contains information on the experimentally verified specificity of the element methods and of the EU authorisation status of the GMO events. If a detected GMO element cannot be explained by any of the events as identified in the same sample, this may indicate the presence of an unknown unauthorised GMO that may not yet have been assessed for its safety for humans, animals or the environment.
Highlights
An increasing number of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), e.g. soy, maize, canola, potato, are currently grown worldwide, with many others in the process of development [1]
Series of 11 samples can be tested in a cost-effective way based on 32 screening methods
On the basis of the combination of the detected and undetected endogenous genes, elements and constructs, a limited number of GMO events can be present in the sample
Summary
An increasing number of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), e.g. soy, maize, canola, potato, are currently grown worldwide, with many others in the process of development [1]. Authorised GMOs are allowed up to a level of 0.9% in non-GMO material, provided their presence is unintentional [2]. There is a zero tolerance level for unauthorised GMOs in food products. In feed some GMOs that are not (yet) authorised but are in the process of authorisation are allowed up to a level of 0.1% [3]. This status can be given if there is already an authorisation in another country, if positive advice with relation to the safety of the particular GMO is given by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and if reference materials and a method for identification of the GMO are available
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