Combination of classical CTAB protocol and subsequent nucleic acid purification for identification of transgenic tomatoes

Foods produced by means of genetic engineering have to be labeled according to the European Union Regulation No 258/97 (Novel Food Regulation). Produc ts derived from genetically modified tomatoes developed by Zeneca are Novel Foods. In order to enable the authorized food control agencies to supervis e compliance with the labeling requirements a method was developed to ident ify the transgenic tomatoes. It is based on the combination of the classica l CTAB protocol and a subsequent nucleic acid purification step with the QI Aquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen). Various processed tomato products ava ilable on the Berlin market were investigated applying this method.