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Application of the novel Droplet digital PCR technology for identification of meat species
Author(s) -
Basanisi Maria Grazia,
La Bella Gianfranco,
Nobili Gaia,
Coppola Rosa,
Damato Annita Maria,
Cafiero Maria Assunta,
La Salandra Giovanna
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of food science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.831
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1365-2621
pISSN - 0950-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ijfs.14486
Subject(s) - traceability , digital polymerase chain reaction , food safety , food science , processed meat , business , species identification , identification (biology) , animal species , microbiology and biotechnology , quality (philosophy) , meat packing industry , polymerase chain reaction , biology , computer science , gene , zoology , biochemistry , genetics , botany , software engineering , philosophy , epistemology
The authenticity and traceability of meat products are issues of primary importance to ensure food safety. Unfortunately, food adulteration (e.g. the addition of inexpensive cuts to minced meat products) and mislabelling (e.g. the inclusion of meat from species other than those declared) happens frequently worldwide. The aim of this study was to apply a droplet digital PCR assay for the detection and quantification (copies μL −1 ) of the beef, pork, horse, sheep, chicken and turkey in meat products. The analysis conducted on commercial meat showed the presence of traces of DNA from other animal species than those declared. We show that the method is highly sensitive, specific and accurate (accuracy = 100%). This method could be adopted by competent food safety authorities to verify compliance with the labelling of meat products and to ensure quality and safety throughout the meat supply chain, from primary production to consumption.