Presence Of Genetic Modification Research Articles

Collaborative trial validation of cry1Ab/Ac and Pubi-cry TaqMan-based real-time PCR assays for detection of DNA derived from genetically modified Bt plant products

Presence of genetic modifications in rice products originating from China and imported to the European Union market is detected since 2006. Neither these products from China nor any other genetically modified rice lines are approved as food or feed in the EU. The transgenic rice varieties identified contain genetic elements and constructs coding for insect-resistance genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) coding for insecticidal crystal (cry) proteins. In particular, DNA sequences coding for codon-optimised or fused cry1Ab/c genes and constructs driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter (P-ubiZM1) were identified. For improved screening and identification of genetic modifications present in Asian rice products, two TaqMan-based real-time PCR assays targeting codon-optimised cry1Ab/Ac and the Pubi-cry construct have been developed. These assays have been validated in an international collaborative trial with 17 participants from 10 countries. Based on a new mathematical–statistical model and an adjusted experimental set-up of the collaborative trial, a close examination of the limit of detection (LOD95%) and the probability of detection of the qualitative PCR assays was conducted. The evaluation of the method performance characteristics and results of the collaborative trial validation are presented.

Food and feed biotechnology researches regarding the presence of genetic modification at laboratory examined soy samples

Food and feed biotechnology researches regarding the presence of genetic modification at laboratory examined soy samples

Detection of genetically modified soya, maize, and rice in vegetarian and healthy food products in Serbia

The presence of genetic modifications was analysed in a total of 100 samples of non-labelled vegetarian and healthy food products. The basic raw materials in the samples tested comprised maize, soya, and/or rice. The screening of all samples was performed using the primers for CaMV35S promoter. The positive samples from this initial screening were further subjected to the analysis of specific transgenic material to determine the type of GMO present with subsequent quantification. Roundup Ready soya was found in eight samples, but its content was below the limit of 0.9%. None of the analysed samples of food products contained GM maize and GM rice. Considering that the investigated samples were imported mainly from EU countries, it can be concluded that the control of GMOs is carried out systematically and in accordance with the Serbian GMO Law.

Acceptance of Transgenic Milk in La Araucania Region,Chile

A B S T R A C T Considering the high level of concern caused by genetically modified foods (GMF) in developed countries, the relevance of this variable in decision-making about the purchase of fluid milk among consumers in Temuco (La Araucania Region, Chile) was determined. By means of a personal survey of 400 people and using conjoint analysis, it was determined that the presence of genetic modifications in food was more important (44.7%) than brand (29.5%) and price (25.5%) in the decision-making process. By cluster analysis three segments were identified; the largest group (46.5%) gave similar relevance to food production and brand, preferring genetically modified milk. For the second group (41.5%), the presence or absence of genetic modification was the most important variable in the purchase, with a strong rejection of milk produced by genetic manipulation and preference for non-transgenic milk. The minority segment (12.0%) placed a higher value on price. These three segments prefer national brand milk, reject the product with private brands and react positively to lower prices. The most sensitive segment to genetic food manipulation had a higher proportion of people under 35 years of age and with no children. It is concluded that the absence of genetic manipulation in food is a desirable condition, mainly for young consumers of La Araucania Region.

Aceptación diferenciada de alimentos transgénicos de origen vegetal y animal en la Región de La Araucanía, Chile

B. Schnettler, O. Sepulveda, and D. Ruiz. 2008. Differentiated acceptance of transgenic foods of animal and vegetable origin in the Region of La Araucania, Chile. Cien. Inv. Agr. 35(2):133-144. Genetically modifi ed transgenic foods (TF) have generated considerable debate in developed countries. Therefore, a survey of 400 people was conducted to assess the importance of this variable in consumer decisions regarding the purchase of liquid milk and tomato sauce in Temuco (IX th Region, Chile). This survey also evaluated the existence of different market segments. Using a conjoint analysis, we established that the presence of genetic modifi cation (GM) in food was a more important factor than either the brand or the price in both types of food. Using a cluster analysis, fi ve consumer groups were distinguished, with two large groups representing 46.8% and 18.8% of the total number of people surveyed. These two groups felt the existence of GMs to be important, but only the largest group preferred the alternatives with no GMs. For the third group (16.8%), brand was the most important attribute, but a preference for non-TF was also shown. The fourth group (10.5%) placed great importance on price and preferred non-TF. The smallest group (7.3%) placed a slightly higher value on the price of milk and on the brand of tomato sauce, showing a preference for TF. The fi ve groups all rejected the store-brand product and most consumers reacted positively to lower prices. Therefore, with the results of this investigation, it can be concluded that the absence of GMs in milk and tomato sauce is a desirable condition for a large proportion of consumers in Temuco (74%), but there are groups of consumers (26%) that accept genetic manipulation of these foods.