Genetically modified soya and maize - Qualitative determination and quantitation in food

The labelling for genetically modified food in the European Community is ru led by the regulations (EG) No. 258/97 (Novel Food Regulation) and 1139/98. Accordingly, food must be labelled if recombinant DNA or derived proteins are detecatable, The threshold value for omission of labelling due to possi ble incidental contaminants originating from cultivation, transport and pro cessing is laid down with 1% per ingredient in regulation (EG) No. 49/2000. Altogether 924 different food samples containing soya and/or maize were ana lysed. In 47 of 488 (9,6%) cases genetically modified Roundup Ready (R) Soy a and in 25 of 436 (5,7%) tested samples genetically modified maize was fou nd. The methods approved by German Law (LMGB 35) can successfully be applied fo r many Soya containing foodstuffs. Problems still exist with the investigat ion of Soya oils, Soya margarine and Soya sauce because DNA isolation is im possible in most cases. The Soya specific control reaction can also be appl ied as a sensitive detection method for Soya components, e.g. in meat produ cts.