REAL-TIME PCR DETECTION OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN SEVERAL FOOD PRODUCTS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

This study is intended for identifying genetic modifications made in food products delivered to a private laboratory between February 2015 and November 2015, and product groups thanks to the Real-Time PCR method. Of 472 food products put into use for the study, 61 products turned out to have genetically modified organisms (GMO) while 18 products had 35s as well as NOS for 13 products, both 35S and NOS for 26 products, FMV and 35S for 4 products. As a result of this study, we concluded that 22 analyzed products with soy lecithin in content including soy protein and chocolate had GMO. Of a total of 24 products with maize in content including cereals, pasta, maize starch, canned maize and instant soup. All of 4 analyzed sunflower seed oil were identified to have 35S and FMV. This study also detected NOS in 11 products of rice and rice flour analyzed. Genetic modifications are mostly made in soy protein, cereals, chocolate and rice. It is forbidden to sell food products that do not comply with the law on biosafety in case they are concluded to contain GMO. Otherwise, this will lead to both ethical and judicial problems.