Gentechnisch veränderter Mais und Soja: qualitativer und quantitativer Nachweis in Lebensmitteln

The labelling for genetically modified food in the European Community is ruled 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 possible incidental contaminants originating from cultivation, transport and processing is laid down with 1% per ingredient in regulation (EG) No. 49/2000. Altogether 924 different food samples containing soya and/or maize were analysed. In 47 of 488 (9,6%) cases genetically modified Roundup Ready® Soya and in 25 of 436 (5,7%) tested samples genetically modified maize was found. The methods approved by German Law (LMGB 35) can successfully be applied for many Soya containing foodstuffs. Problems still exist with the investigation of Soya oils, Soya margarine und Soya sauce because DNA isolation is impossible in most cases. The Soya specific control reaction can also be applied as a sensitive detection method for Soya components, e.g. in meat products.