2001 AACC Annual Meeting Charlotte, North Carolina October 14-18, 2001 Charlotte Convention Center

PCR or "Polymerase Chain Reaction" is outlined to give a clear understanding of the process and what it involves with special regard to the issues important to food producers. PCR is useful for the detection, identification and quantitation of genetically modified material in raw grain, ingredients, and finished product. For all three of these categories sampling and sample preparation is critical to obtaining meaningful results. Sampling and matrix effects on the extraction of high-quality DNA and the effect of DNA quality on issues such as accuracy (%GMO and identification), and sensitivity are discussed. Issues from genome representation to the presence of inhibitory compounds and the differences between testing of raw grain, ingredients (raw and partially processed), and finished product will be discussed. Examples of DNA extraction and analysis will be used to put all of these issues into context and make the whole subject more accessible for food producers who need to test their products for the presence of genetically modified material.