Study of soybean and soybean processing products for GMO content using real time PCR method for 2022-2025

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on soybeans and their processed products for the content of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) of plant origin using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) method for 2022-2025. The aim of the work was to analyze the results of research on soybean meal, soybean grain and soybean oil for the presence of GMO DNA using the Real-time PCR method. The research was conducted in the Research Department of Biochemical and Molecular Research of Food, Feed and Water of the State Scientific and Research Institute for Laboratory Diagnostics and Veterinary and Sanitary (SSRILDVSE) Examination in accordance with DSTU ISO 21569:2008, DSTU ISO 24276:2008, DSTU ISO 21570:2008, DSTU ISO 21571:2008, DSTU 5021.1:2008. The Real-time PCR was performed on an Applied Biosystems Quant Studio 5 amplifier using diagnostic kits (R-Biopharm, Germany): for screening – Sure Food GMO Screen 35S/NOS/FMV+IAC, Sure Food Screen 4 Plex BAR/NPTII/PAT/CTP2:CP4 EPSPS; for identification of GM soybean lines – Sure Food GMO ID Soya I (MON 87708 Soya, MON 87701, DP 305423, MON 87769), Sure Food GMO ID Soya II (A 5547-127, A 2704-12, MON 40-3-2, MON 89788); for quantitative determination of GM soybean lines GTS (MON) 40-3-2 and MON 89788 – Sure Food GMO Quant Roundup Ready Soya, Sure Food GMO Quant 35S Soya, Sure Food GMO Quant RR2Y Soya. Certified reference materials were used as positive controls: BF410cp, BF410dp, BF410ep (ERM, Belgium).
During 2022-2025, 1832 soybean and soybean product specimens were tested using the real-time PCR method for the presence of GMO DNA-markers of plant origin, of which 1050 positive results were obtained, which in percentage terms is 57.3% for the studied period. The number of positive results in soybean meal samples varied from 55.2% to 62.1%, in soybean grains this indicator was from 56.7% to 60.0%, and in soybean oil from 33.3% to 75.0%.
Analysis of the results of studies conducted on soybeans and soybean processed products using the Real-time PCR method for the presence of GMO DNA indicates the circulation of GM soybean lines in Ukraine, among which the most common are GTS (MON) 40-3-2 and MON 8978. Further research will allow for constant monitoring of the situation regarding GMOs in Ukraine, the prevalence and circulation of GM lines of plant origin, and control over compliance with legislative requirements regarding labeling "with GMOs" if the content exceeds 0.9%.