Genetically modified organisms in food-screening and specific detection bypolymerase chain reaction

PCR methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) were developed that can be used for screening purposes and for specific detecti on of glyphosate-tolerant soybean and insect-resistant maize in food. Prime rs were designed to amplify parts of the 35S promoter derived from Cauliflo wer Mosaic Virus, the NOS terminator derived from Agrobacterium tunefaciens and the antibiotic marker gene NPTII (neomycin-phosphotransferase II), to allow for general screening of foods. PCR/hybridization protocols were esta blished for the detection of glyphosate-tolerant RoundUp Ready soybean and insect-resistant Bt-maize. Besides hybridization, confirmation of the resul ts using restriction analysis was also possible. The described methods enab led a highly sensitive and specific detection of GMOs and thus provide a us eful tool for routine analysis of raw and processed food products.