PCR Based Detection of Genetically Modified Soy in Processed Foods Commercially Available in Saudi Arabia

In this research, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technique was applied to detect the presence of genetically modified soy (GMO) sold in the Saudi Arabian market. This method was applied to detect genetically modified soy (GM-soy), in particular the roundup ready soy (RRS). To confirm the presence of soy, samples were first tested for the existence of the soy specific lectin gene. A total of eighty samples were tested, out of which two samples tested positive as containing GM-soy. Not surprisingly, the findings showed the existence of GM-soy in food products in Saudi. This supports the necessity of developing precise quantitative and qualitative ways for routine analyses and detection of GMO products in the Saudi Arabian market. With the discovery of GM products in the Saudi Arabian market it would be of no surprise that other Middle Eastern nations also knowingly or unknowingly import GM crops.