Monitoring of genetically modified food and feed in the Tunisian market using qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) invade more and more the agricultural production in the world. Although there are no legislations on GM labeling and cultivation of GM crops in Tunisia, the present study aims to check the status of GMO in Tunisian market using qualitative and quantitative real time-PCR (QRT-PCR). Three-hundred-sixty five samples were collected and different DNA extraction methods were adapted and optimized. Specific primers targeting 35S promoter from Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) and nopaline synthase terminator from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (At) were used for the detection of the GMO insert and Taxon specific primers for the detection of plant species. Validated Taqman® probes (EU-RL) targeting event specific regions of the maize events MON810, Bt11, and the soybean event RRS were used for the quantification studies. Seven food and feed products showed different amounts of RRS (1.9%), MON810 (2.1%), and Bt11 (1.6%). The results demonstrate for the first time the presence of GMO in Tunisian markets reinforcing the need for the development of accurate quantitative methods in routine analyses.