This document provides information on how the performance characteristics of qualitative (binary) real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for detection of specific DNA sequences present in foods should be evaluated and validated by conducting a collaborative study. The guidelines are applicable for validation of qualitative PCR methods used for detection of DNA sequences derived from genetically modified foodstuffs. They can be applicable also for PCR methods used for detection of other target sequences in foodstuffs@ e.g. for species detection and identification.