(FTB-2127) Detection of Genetic Modification 'ac2 ' in Potato Foodstuffs

The genetic modification 'ac2 ' is based on the insertion and expression of ac2 gene, ori-ginally found in seeds of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), into the genome of potatoes (So-lanum tuberosum). The purpose of the present study is to develop a PCR method for the detection of the mentioned genetically modified potatoes in various foodstuffs. The meth-od was used to test twenty different potato-based products; none of them was positive for the genetic modification 'ac2'. The European Union legislation requires labelling of pro-ducts made of or containing more than 0.9 % of genetically modified organisms. The gene-tic modification 'ac2 ' is not allowed on the European Union market. For that reason it is suitable to have detection methods, not only for the approved genetic modifications, but also for the 'unknown ' ones, which could still occur in foodstuffs. Key words: GMO, Solanum tuberosum, PCR, antimicrobial peptide, food safet