Detection of indicators of transgenicity and transgenic soybean in industrialized foods sold in Metropolitan Lima

Abstract

Introduction. The consumption of industrialized foods that contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has increased significantly. Since its inception, it has generated growing controversies because it is considered a health risk. In Peru there is a lack of scientific information on GMOs in industrialized foods. Objetive. Molecularly detect and quantify transgenicity indicators P35S and TNOS, and of Roundup Ready transgenic soybeans in industrialized soy foods and verify their mention on the label. Methods. 30 samples were analyzed; To extract the DNA, the Dneasy Mericon Food and Dneasy Power Soil Kits were used, and for the detection and quantification of the transgenic sequences, the real-time PCR technique with the Mericon kits. In addition, the labeling was reviewed. Results. Transgenicity was detected in 100% of the samples and Soy RR in 66,67%; The number of copies/mL or g of sample ranged between 1,21E+0 and 8,88E+7 and in the labeling of 93,3% of the samples there was no reference to transgenic components. Conclusion. The findings show the urgent need for current legislation to be updated in accordance with the scientific knowledge and the socioeconomic development of the country, protecting health and the right to population information.