RESUMEN
In Germany, genetically modified organisms (GMO) analysis of food samples collected within the official food control is performed by the laboratories of the Federal States. The present report shows GMO analysis results from food samples of the years 2017 to 2021, including contaminations by unauthorized GMO, as well as genetically modified (GM) plant events authorized in the European Union. In addition to previous publications, evaluation of the aggregated food samples analysed for GMO components is shown. During this timeframe, 1077 (7.1%) out of 15,145 samples contained genetic modification. In 43 samples, DNA sequences of unauthorized GM plants were found. Additionally, for food derived from soybean, evaluations according to different product categories and the agronomic production (conventional and organic farming) are shown. Whereas in products from organic farming and in conventional soybeans labelled "without genetic engineering" GM soybeans were detected in 6.1% and 8.9%, of all tested samples, respectively, nearly 30% of all conventional soy samples yielded positive results below 0.1%. However, only in 0.7% of the overall analysed 5424 soybean samples GMO percentages of more than 0.1% were obtained. Generally, authorized GM plants were only found at low contamination levels. The labelling threshold of 0.9% for GM ingredients was exceeded only in 0.2% (maize) and 0.1% (soybean) samples, respectively. For monitoring purposes and risk evaluation, the data collection shall be continued.
RESUMEN
Food and feed products derived from animal materials have a long history of being adulterated. Methods for the identification of animal samples based on DNA barcoding are very potent tools to reveal species substitution. Since numerous DNA barcoding methods are available for different taxa, it is challenging to choose an appropriate and verified method for each sample in question. To overcome this obstacle the working group "Molecular biological methods for plant and animal species differentiation" developed the "Barcoding Table of Animal Species". This working group is established through the German food and feed law and is mandated to validate standard methods, especially for the official food and feed control laboratories in Germany. In this paper, a collection of currently available and verified DNA barcoding methods for the identification of animal species is presented as a Microsoft Excel® file-"The Barcoding Table of Animal Species (BaTAnS)". It consists of several components: The method collection, the results collection and a section for reporting new entries and problems. It is focusing on the validity and applicability of DNA barcoding methods to test food and feed products for correct species declaration. Each method is listed with its reference and is verified by at least two laboratories for their applicability. Since additional information will be available in future, this table will be updated regularly. The BaTAnS is an easy tool that helps to choose the right verified method to identify a certain specimen to taxon, genus or species level in food samples.
