Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the presence of genetically-modified maize in breaded “ready-to-cook” food products

The aim of this study was to screen genetically-modified maize and to detect BT 11, BT 176 and MON 810 maize in 10 samples of breaded “ready-to-cook” food products obtained from local markets. Screening for GM maize and quantification were performed with both qualitative and quantitative DNA-based assays. The positive samples contained at least one of the above GM maizes in quantities greater than the 0.9% threshold required for labeling, although the label showed no such information. These results pose an important sanitary problem, which requires the enforcement of legislative guidelines on labeling rules and appropriate traceability systems in order to guarantee public health and consumer choice.