Occurrence of genetically modified maize and soybean in feed

Genetically modified crops are widely used to produce feed mixtures. European Community law requires products containing above 0.9% of GMO to be labeled. The purpose of the study was to detect, identify and quantify GMO by analyzing DNA. The qualitative methods used were based on PCR technique; however, quantitative GMO analysis based on Real Time PCR technique and Roche LightCycler 2.0 instruments was also applied. 59 of the 109 examined samples of feed contained GM crops. The presence of GMO was detected in 31 samples of soybeans and Soya meal, 4 samples of maize and 24 samples of feed mixtures. The most commonly used GMO in animal feed in Poland is Soya Roundup Ready, tolerant to Roundup herbicide, and it was present in 57 samples of feed. Genetically modified maize was present in only 2 of the 69 samples of maize corn and compound feeds. Additionally, 2 samples of maize were contaminated by Soya Roundup Ready.