Detection and quantification of genetically modified soy in foodstuffs, commercialized in Portugal, for human consumption

Biotechnology allows plant and animal genetic modification, leading to genetic modified organisms (GMO). The GMO related benefits and risks are still surrounded in controversy, reason why the consumer has the right to decide about its consumption. The aim of this work is to detect and quantify genetically modified soy in foodstuffs. In that sense, 11 samples from two different lots of the same foodstuff’s brand, which contain soy, for human consumption were analysed. Real time PCR method was used to detect and quantify transgenic DNA. From all the samples analysed, 7 were negative (63.6%) and 4 positive (36.4%) for the DNA detection from transgenic soy, corresponding to 3 foodstuffs: soy milk, flour and granulated. The DNA quantities from transgenic soy vary from 0.07% (granulated soy) to 0.22% (soy flour), suggesting environmental contamination because they are below 0.4%