Genetically modified plant–derived feed materials: results of official monitoring in Poland
Abstract
Introduction
Highly efficient animal rearing would be impossible without the use of high-protein feed. In Europe the main source of feed protein has become soybean meal imported from South America, where the majority of it is genetically modified. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of genetically modified (GM) plant material in feed on the Polish market.
Material and Methods
The study material consisted of feed materials and compound feed samples collected as part of the Official Feed Control Plan in 2018–2024. Methods recommended for use in official testing by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed were used to identify GM organism (GMO) presence.
Results
Between 2018 and 2024, 171 (53.9%) positive samples were identified, all with GM soybean presence. No GM maize or GM rapeseed was identified. The majority of positive samples contained three GM soybean varieties: MON 40-3-2, MON 89788 and MON 87701. The results from samples taken at the eastern Polish border varied from one survey year to the next, revealing GMO presence ranging from 0% to 80%, and the entirety of the GMO content to be soybean.
Conclusion
The high-protein soybean meal in poultry and pig farming is in part derived from GM soybeans grown in third countries. Other feed crops like maize and rapeseed are GMO-free or contaminated with GMOs only at low levels.
© 2025 Zbigniew Sieradzki, Małgorzata Mazur, Beata Król, published by National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.