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The worldwide production of genetically modified corn, rice and soy is steadily increasing. In many countries, threshold levels for labelling of products containing GMOs have been established to guarantee consumer information on the application of biotechnology. The detection of GMOs in food and feed is essential to properly fulfill labelling and traceability requirements.

The quality of food is becoming increasingly important to many consumers. To ensure the necessary transparency, i.a. the European Council Regulation (EC) (No. 834/2007) on organic production was implemented. This regulation regulates the use and labeling of genetically modified plants in food and feed (European labeling requirements 1829/2003 and 1830/2003). Compliance with this basic organic regulation can be shown by a corresponding seal on the food products.

Regulation EC 619/2011 exists as a special rule for animal feeds. Provided that certain conditions are met (expired EU approval, approval in the country of origin, availability of tests and reference material, etc.), a technical threshold value of 0.1 % applies for non-approved GMO events. This is particularly significant for not always contamination-free imports of GMOs and GMO-free maize and soya.

A screening of plant extrinsic gene sequences that were infiltrated into the plants during GMO development provides efficient evidence of the presence of any possible GMOs. The typically used gene sequences are: 35S NOS FMV BAR CTP2:CTP4 EPSPS This promoter, made from the cauliflower mosaic virus, is the most frequently used element. Plant samples that are only 35S positive can also be contaminated with the naturally occurring virus. False positive results can be ruled out by using the virus-specific CaMV (S2027) test.