A rapid and accurate detection of corn (Zea mays L.) ingredients in processed foods is important for food safety and quality assurance. This study aimed to develop PCR-based approach for fast screening of the corn in foodstuffs. To this purpose a new PCR-based DNA marker specific to the corn zein gene was developed, three uniplex PCR methods and one triplex PCR system targeting invertase and zein genes were compared. Different corn-derived foodstuffs such as: flour, chips, flakes and snacks were investigated. Analysis of PCR products by agarose gel electrophoresis demonstrated that multiplex PCR method represents the most reliable and rapid tool for identification of corn ingredients in highly processed foods.