Detection of Residues of Genetically Modified Soybeans in Breaded Fried Turkey Cutlets

The presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products is usually ascertained by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or nested PCR if sensitivity has to be increased. Since most, if not all, GMO products are of plant origin, the target sequences are the 35S promoter or NOS terminator. The extreme sensitivity of nested PCR can be misleading if the results are not interpreted correctly, since contamination of non-GMO products with residual amounts of GMO may be positive. We report that breaded turkey breast cutlets labeled as containing GMO soybean products were actually prepared from wheat flour that had been contaminated with transgenic soybean.