Detection of genetically modified organisms in bio products on the Croatian market

The production of bio or eco food implies production without the use of mineral fertilizers, hormones, pesticides, and GMOs. In Croatia, organic production has been growing year by year, regulated by legal provisions that set high standards for ecological production, which relies on renewable energy sources, waste recycling, limited pesticide use, and the prohibition of GMO use at any stage of production (food, animal feed, soil enhancers, plant protection). The purpose of organic production is to protect human health, nature, and the environment, as well as consumers. To maintain production consistency, legal regulations aligned with EU regulations on organic agricultural production and food production have been introduced, while the possible presence of GMOs in organic crops and food is regulated by GMO legislation. EU Regulation 1829/2003 regulates monitoring and labeling rules for food containing > 0.9% GMOs, including organic products. The aim of this paper was to determine the presence of GM soybean, corn, wheat, and rice lines in organic products commercially available on the Croatian market, and to determine their share in products containing GMOs. The study detected a low presence (0.1%) of GM soybean line MON 89788 in two organic soy beverages, while no GM corn, wheat, flax, or rice was found. The GMO content in all tested organic products remained below the regulatory labeling threshold (0.9%). These findings indicate that GM contamination in organic products on the Croatian market is minimal and primarily results from unavoidable cross-contamination during production, transport, or storage.