GDO Analyses

GMO Analysis
GMO Analysis

GMOs, genetically modified organisms, first came into our lives with 1990 years. The first genetically modified organisms were corn, soy and canola. Over the years, the types and quantities of genetically modified crops have also increased. Today these foods are an important topic of discussion in the food industry. However, there is no common decision taken on this issue worldwide. No legal regulations have been made.

Especially developed countries are trying to take some precautions to prevent people from consuming such products. In our country, there are no legal regulations on this subject. Nevertheless, it is desirable to explain this situation on the labels of food and feedstuffs containing genetically modified organisms above 0.9 percent in European Union countries. The consumption of certain food products is completely prohibited in the European Union (eg Bt63 Rice and LibertyLink 601 Rice).

Increasing sensitivity has been shown in the exports to the European Union countries on genetically modified organisms and as a result of this, GMO analyzes have been increasingly and more importantly followed in our country and in the world. Today, the most widely used method in GMO analysis is Real-Time PCR systems. The basis of these systems is the DNA replication and real-time PCR devices to amplify the DNA and detect the appropriate wavelength. Thanks to advances in technology, these systems are both easy to access and easy to apply.

The advantages of Real-Time PCR systems are:

  • Detection limits for GMOs have been reduced to the lowest levels.
  • The sensitivity of GMO analysis is increased.
  • Qualitative and quantitative analyzes can be performed.
  • Results can be obtained in a short time.
  • Analyzes are carried out in accordance with international standards.

In advanced laboratories, the following analyzes of genetically modified organisms are basically carried out:

  • Plant specific gene testing (Real Time-PCR) (for each gene)
  • GMO quantification (for each gene region)
  • GMO screening test
  • GMO type determination analysis (for each gene region) (event specific)

Genetically modified organisms are plants that are grown by transferring genes from a species other than their original species using gene technology. In this way, plants that cannot be obtained naturally and which have different and new features are grown. GMO studies are carried out not only on plants but also on animals and microorganisms. For this reason, these studies are called Genetically Modied Organism in English. In our language, it is called as GMO which means Genetically Modified Organism.

Modern biotechnology techniques developed in recent years make changes in the genetic structure of living things that cannot be obtained by traditional breeding methods and natural reproduction and reproduction processes. The aims of these studies were as follows:

  • To obtain more resistant products against diseases and harmful organisms
  • Ensure that the products are more resistant to weed and pesticides
  • Longer shelf life of products
  • To obtain high nutritional values ​​and also delicious products
  • Providing higher yields per unit area in agricultural areas

Today GMO products are mostly produced by countries around 25 such as America, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Spain, China and India.

The Regulation on Genetically Modified Organisms and Products, published by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock in 2010, aims to prevent the risks arising from GMO products obtained by using modern biotechnology methods and to prevent human, animal and plant health and environmental and biological diversity. protection.

According to the provisions of this regulation, food and food products must have an explanation that they do not contain GMOs. In addition, if the percentage of GMO in the feed, feed raw material and seeds exceeds 0,9, the product label must include a label indicating that the product contains GMO.

GMO analysis studies carried out in advanced laboratories are based on standards published by domestic and foreign organizations.