Chapter 10: Omics-based Detection, Identification and Quantification of GM Food and Feed: Current Challenges and Perspectives

Since their inception, genetically modified (GM) organisms and derived products have been under strong regulatory scrutiny. Despite the complexity of the various existing regulatory frameworks worldwide, control of GM food and feed are performed with relatively well-standardised assays that are mostly based on real-time PCR. However, in recent years, the quantity (number of existing events) and complexity of genetic modifications have dramatically increased and conventional DNA-based methods are now reaching their limits. Here, we give an overview of the extent to which high-throughput sequencing (i.e. next generation sequencing, NGS), as well as complementary approaches like metabolomics and proteomics techniques, may be considered relevant methods for improving GM controls in food and feed, particularly to respond to novel challenges arising from the use of gene-editing technologies.