Recombinant DNA in meat additives:: specific detection of roundup ReadyTM soybean by nested PCR

Soybean proteins are widely used by the meat industry as technological coadjutor when producing processed products such as emulsified and ground meat products. Since regulations for the use and labeling of GMOs and derived ingredients are in force in Brazil, a PCR-based method capable of detecting Roundup Ready (TM) (RR) soybean was employed for meat additives. Thirty-two samples of meat additives containing soy proteins were tested for the presence of soybean amplifiable DNA and RR soybean DNA. Twenty-five samples gave a positive signal for the lectin gene, confirming the presence of soybean ampliflable DNA and 15 samples returned a positive signal for specific RR detection confirming the presence of genetically modified soy. These results demonstrate for the first time the presence of RR soybean in meat additives. This method may be useful for meat industries interested in controlling the presence of RR soybean in additives used for meat products manufacture. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.