Detection of Genetically Modified Soya, Maize, and Rice in Vegetarian and Healthy Food Products in Serbia

Abstract

ZDJELAR G., NIKOLIC Z., VASILJEVIC I., BAJIC B., JOVICIC D., IGNJATOV M., MILOSEVIC D. (2013): Detection of genetically modified soya, maize, and rice in vegetarian and healthy food products in Serbia. Czech J. Food Sci., 31: 43-48. The presence of genetic modifications was analysed in a total of 100 samples of non-labelled vegetarian and healthy food products. The basic raw materials in the samples tested comprised maize, soya, and/or rice. The screening of all samples was performed using the primers for CaMV35S promoter. The positive samples from this initial screening were further subjected to the analysis of specific transgenic material to determine the type of GMO present with subsequent quantification. Roundup Ready soya was found in eight samples, but its content was below the limit of 0.9%. None of the analysed samples of food products contained GM maize and GM rice. Considering that the investigated samples were imported mainly from EU countries, it can be concluded that the control of GMOs is carried out systematically and in accordance with the Serbian GMO Law.