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Applicability of the “Real-Time PCR-Based Ready-to-Use Multi-Target Analytical System for GMO Detection” in processed maize matrices

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Abstract

Simple tools to detect the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in commercial products represent a valuable aid in managing the legal requirements for GMO testing in a cost-effective way. The “Real-Time PCR-Based Ready-to-Use Multi-Target Analytical System for GMO Detection” was developed to meet such requirements and was here further tested for its applicability on detecting GMO in recalcitrant maize matrices. Sixty-four processed maize products were purchased from the market of the European Union and analyzed for their GMO content. Seventy-five percent of the test samples were positive for the presence of GMO. In two samples, trace amounts of the so-called asynchronously authorized GMO could be detected. The overall outcome of the analyses indicated that most of the commercially available genetically modified maize events for food use could be detected in this study. Finally, the possibility to use the “Real-Time PCR-Based Ready-to-Use Multi-Target Analytical System for GMO Detection” in detecting GMO at a 0.1% mass level is documented. The implications of these results on the further development of such type of PCR-based GMO detection systems are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Health and Consumer Protection (IHCP), Molecular Biology and Genomics Unit, European Commission-Joint Research Centre, Via Fermi 2749, 21027, Ispra, VA, Italy

    Linda Kluga, Silvia Folloni, Marc Van den Bulcke, Guy Van den Eede & Maddalena Querci

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  1. Linda Kluga
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  2. Silvia Folloni
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  3. Marc Van den Bulcke
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  4. Guy Van den Eede
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  5. Maddalena Querci
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Correspondence to Maddalena Querci.

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Kluga, L., Folloni, S., Van den Bulcke, M. et al. Applicability of the “Real-Time PCR-Based Ready-to-Use Multi-Target Analytical System for GMO Detection” in processed maize matrices. Eur Food Res Technol 234, 109–118 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-011-1615-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-011-1615-5

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