Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research

Advanced Journal of Microbiology Research Vol. 2006

Available online at http://internationalscholarsjournals.org/journal/ajmr

© 2006 International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Detection of GMO in food products in South Africa: Implications of GMO labelling

C.D. Viljoen^*, B.K. Dajee and G.M. Botha

GMO Testing Facility, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa.

Accepted 9 November, 2005

Abstract

Genetically modified (GM) crops currently account for 29% of crop production worldwide. South Africa is currently the only country in Africa to commercially grow GM crops. Despite a lack of regulations to provide for food labelling that allows for consumer preference, many products carry negative or positive labels with regard to genetic modification. The aim of this study was to test different maize and soy products to determine the uptake of GM food into the human food chain as well as the validity of “non-GMO” (genetically modified organisms), “GMO free” or “organic” labels, on local as well as imported products. Of the 58 products selected and sampled randomly, 44 tested positive for the presence of GM. Furthermore, of the 20 products with a GM related label, 14 tested positive for GM. These results demonstrate the extent of GM in the human food chain in South Africa and highlight the need for effective regulations to protect consumers against misleading claims.

Key words: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genetic modification (GM), food, labelling.