title: How Can We Better Detect Unauthorized GMOs in Food and Feed Chains?
abstract: Current GMO detection systems have limited abilities to detect unauthorized genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Here, we propose a new workflow, based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, to overcome this problem. In providing information about DNA sequences, this high-throughput workflow can distinguish authorized and unauthorized GMOs by strengthening the tools commonly used by enforcement laboratories with the help of NGS technology. In addition, thanks to its massive sequencing capacity, this workflow could be used to monitor GMOs present in the food and feed chain. In view of its potential implementation by enforcement laboratories, we discuss this innovative approach, its current limitations, and its sustainability of use over time.
authors.affiliation: Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Platform of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (PBB) and Biosafety and Biotechnology Unit (SBB), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marie-Alice
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Fraiture
authors.affiliation: Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Platform of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (PBB) and Biosafety and Biotechnology Unit (SBB), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herman
authors.affiliation: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Sciences Unit, Burg. Van Gansberghelaan 115 bus 1, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Loose
authors.affiliation: Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Unit Traceability and Authentication, Chaussée de Namur 24, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
authors.forename: Frédéric
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Debode
authors.affiliation: Scientific Institute of Public Health (WIV-ISP), Platform of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology (PBB) and Biosafety and Biotechnology Unit (SBB), J. Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium. Electronic address: nancy.roosens@wiv-isp.be.
authors.forename: Nancy H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Roosens
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005504:Food Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D059014:High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D030781:Organisms, Genetically Modified / Q000235:genetics*
keywords: DNA walking; detection; monitoring; new workflow; next-generation-sequencing; qPCR; unauthorized GMO