Chemical Composition and Detection of Aflatoxin and Genetic Modification in Imported Yellow Corn and Soybean

Abstract

During the last decade, the gap between production and consumption of cereals and legumes in Egypt is compensated by importation from different countries. The objective of this study was undertaken to investigate the chemical composition and detection of aflatoxins and gentic modification (GM) in imported yellow corn and soybean. The results of proximate chemical composition showed that imported yellow corn contained protein ranged from 8.75 to 9.80% and fat ranged from 3.48 to 4.0% while in Egyptian variety (SC128) protein increased to 10.15%. Imported soybean contained protein ranged from 32.8 to 37.3% and fat ranged from 16 to 20.8% while in Egyptian variety (Giza 111) protein increased to 37.8%. Liquid chromatography analysis showed that all imported and local varieties of corn and soybean samples were free of aflatoxins contamination. GM detected that 45% and 50% of total imported yellow corn and soybean samples were tested positive for NOS terminator and s335 promotor. Egypt imports large amount of cereal and legumes from Ukraine, Bulgaria, Brazil, Rumania and USA who considered as the most countries produced GM so the most cereals and legumes in the Egyptian market may be genetically modified. It is evident from the results that imported yellow corn and soybeans are of high quality because they contained high levels of protein and fat and free from aflatoxin but some are genetically modified (about 50% of imported samples are GM). Detection and/or quantification of GM corn and soybeans in processed foods are one of the most important consumer concerns regarding food safety and quality.