Detection of genetically modified material in feed and foodstuffs containing soy and maize in Jordan

Food and feed products with genetically modified (GM) materials are not subject to labelling regulations in Jordan. The number of GM foods being developed to cope with growing food demand, locally and internationally, is growing. This situation may result in more consumer requests for traceability and assurance of food quality and safety with respect to GM foods. To this end, the main aim of this study was to investigate at what level Jordanian consumers are exposed to GM foods. DNA was extracted from 200 food and 80 feed samples bought in Jordanian markets, screened by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantified by real-time PCR. The GM screening and quantification were based on the presence of Roundup Ready™ (RR) soybean, Bt 176 or 35S target sequence genes for the GM elements. GM positive samples were quantified by real-time PCR. Fifteen food and feed samples were found positive for maize Bt-176 or RR soybean genes, representing 5.4% of the total food tested samples. The GM elements were detected in more than 62.5% with less than 1% modification, compared to less than 37.5% containing more than 1% GM.