Towards detection of unknown GMOs

The state-of-the-art technology for detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is polymerase chain reaction. The targets are novel sequences such as genes, but the insertion locus sequences are also important for GMO identification. GMOs go through a series of developmental stages, in which field trials precede commercial releases. GMO developers only exceptionally publish details on inserted novel sequences unless such publication is, for example, required by legislation. Information on novel sequences of GMOs may therefore be sparse, and in some cases completely missing, making the development and implementation of detection methods extremely difficult. In this chapter, we present an overview of the problems and proposed possible solutions to challenges associated with detection and correct identification of GMOs, with particular emphasis on unknown GMOs