Detecting the Adulteration of Non-GMO Corn and Soy with GMO Products

Overview

Consumers concerned about the potential risks of genetically modified (GM) foods have driven up the demand for non-GM foods. Retail olive oil has been adulterated with cheaper canola, soybean, or sunflower oils in an attempt to increase product margins. If olive oil is being adulterated for profit, then it is possible that other products are as well. Corn and soy are two of the most common genetically modified crops grown in the United States. Non-GM soy and corn are worth about twice as much as their genetically modified counterparts. A producer could potentially turn a profit from adulterating non-GM corn and soy products with cheaper GM substitutes. This study aims to determine the amount of a GM product that could be placed in a non-GM product without being detected by PCR and gel electrophoresis using a primer for the CaMV 35S promoter. PCR/gel electrophoresis, one of the most common GM testing procedures, is used by the labs of the Non-GMO Project, one of the foremost non-GM certifying bodies in this space. To test the tolerance of PCR and gel electrophoresis in detecting the presence of GM food, we prepared mixtures of non-GM and GM corn chips, and non-GM and GM soybeans. The ratios of GM product added to non-GM product were 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 10%, 50% GM, and two controls of 100% GM and non-GM product. We then ran these samples through standard PCR/gel electrophoresis protocols and visually inspected the bands. Preliminary results show that we are consistently able to detect GM levels of 7% GM corn and 8% GM soy, but none of our testing was able to detect GM levels of 6% GM corn and 7% GM soy and lower. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to conceal genetically modified corn and soy in non-GM products from one of the most common GMO detection methods, PCR priming for the CaMV 35S promoter. Our experiment established the detection threshold for GMOs when using an analysis method which can be used by even classrooms. Further research is required to determine whether adulteration is rare or rampant, as well as repeating the experiment for added confidence. This research is ongoing, and as we fine tune our process using more sophisticated methods such as real time PCR and molecular GMO detection, we will be able to determine the detection thresholds of these other methods too. The goal being to recommend standard guidelines to The Non-GMO Project and other food certification organizations to ensure that the best methods are used to give consumers accurate information about their food.

Competition history

• AJAS 2018 Category not listed

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