TaqMan PCR for Detection of Genetically Modified Durum Wheat

In recent years food crops have been engineered to express novel genes which impart new characteristics. However, according to EU regulations, novel foods and ingredients must be labelled to allow consumers to make informed decisions regarding the foodstuffs they purchase. Analytical methods are thus necessary to show the presence or absence of GMO in raw materials and food. New transformation events are routinely submitted to the EU Council and analytical methods therefore need to be continuously up-dated. Consequently, the aim of this work has been to develop a qualitative and quantitative PCR method to detect a genetically modified durum wheat. The use of the 5700 Sequence Detection System (PE Biosystems) allowed the determination of the amplified product accumulation using a fluorogenic probe (TaqMan).