374 Genetically modified crops – Are you DNAware? Design and detection of genetically modified crops.

Bert Pöpping. Eurofins Scientifc, 69A Kilnwick Road, Pocklington, YO42 2JY, England. E-mail: BertPopping@Eurofins.com.

Transgenic plants are in most cases ‘substantially equivalent’ to their natural counterparts – they do not smell, taste, or look different. The first part of the presentation will reveal how genetically engineered plants are designed. The issue of GM crops in Europe – governing legislation and the consumer perception is being addressed. The second part will highlight how the knowledge of the design of transgenic plants is used to detect them and how this technology has progressed over recent years from qualitative to quantitative analysis to comply with forthcoming European legislation.