Monitoring of Genetically Modified Rice among Some Imported Rice Samples in Iran

Background: Genetically Modified (GM) foods are produced using genetic engineering. This survey attempted to identify the presence of GM rice varieties among some imported rice samples in Iran. Methods: From May to July 2016, a total of 50 samples of the imported rice to Iran were obtained, including 20 bulk rice samples from Bandar Abbas custom, Southern Iran and 30 retail rice samples from some commercial brands sold in the local markets of Yazd, Iran. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to assess the GM varieties. Results: None of the studied rice samples had the target genes related to GM products.  Conclusion: This study indicated no evidence for presence of GM rice among some bulk and retail imported rice samples in Iran. Since marketing of GM rice is not legally permitted in Iran, more comprehensive studies must be designed with higher sample size in various provinces of country to achieve more detailed data about situation of GM rice in the Iranian markets.  DOI: 10.18502/jfqhc.7.4.4849