New SYBR®Green methods targeting promoter sequences used for screening of several GM events pending for authorisation in Europe

Seen the growing number of genetically modified (GM) crops being developed, the need for cost- and time-effective detection methods is increasing to enable continuing the necessary effective control on food and feed products. This need can be achieved by performing an intensive screening combined with decision support tools like the CoSYPS matrix which permits reducing the number of events to be identified. To allow an extra covering power of the CoSYPS and to be able to include new EU-authorised GM events, two new SYBR®Green real-time PCR (qPCR) methods targeting two promoter sequences (pNOS and pFMV) were developed. These methods were validated using acceptance parameters such as the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability. In addition, the methods were transferred to a second laboratory, namely the Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, to test the reproducibility. Furthermore, the applicability and practicability of the methods were tested by using proficiency test samples. The two methods allow a specific and sensitive detection of the targets in food and feed samples and can be used efficiently in different laboratories.