Meat Adulteration Testing

The authentication problems of meat and meat products refer to meat species, meat geographic origins, and addition of non-meat ingredients (additives and water). Verification of the meat species, particularly for already mixed and processed products, is essential for both ethical and religious concerns (e.g. halal, kosher, or vegetarian). Besides, the prevention of cheap meat substitutions, as well as prohibition of water addition are also important to ensure the quality of meat products. Furthermore, the screening of illegal and over-usage of food additives has gained increasing importance for the safeguard of consumers’ health over the recent years.

Lifeasible is a leading provider of testing services to the global food and agricultural industry. We provide meat adulteration testing services with recognized reliability. Our food testing are equipped with state-of-the-art food-testing technologies. Moreover, we offer a comprehensive spectrum of methods for the recognition of meat authentication problems. The most commonly used methods are DNA-based techniques (e.g., qualitative PCR, real-time PCR, multiplex PCR, species-specific PCR, and digital PCR), immunological methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), and chromatography techniques (e.g., LC-MS/MS).

The DNA tests are applicable for various meat products including raw, processed and cooked product; and can even be used for highly processed meats where the DNA may be significantly degraded. ELISA can be used for screening purpose which is suitable for high levels of meat. We also provide LC-MS/MS solutions for meat speciation, using the protein markers in the meat sample to confirm the species with high accuracy and short turnaround time. In addition, a traceability system that allows the tracing of meat back to an individual animal is available for our customers. Our traceability system allows the comparison of test samples with the control samples whose information are taken from animals upstream of the slaughter house and are stored in a computer database.

Our experts will happily assist you in finding the correct method of testing for your product, in adherence to local, national, and international regulations. Our test systems can be used to reliably and specifically for a variety of animal species, including cattle, pig, horse, donkey, chicken, duck, turkey, rabbit, sheep, goat, water buffalo, cat, dog, deer, fish, and so on. With our experience, expertise and cutting-edge facilities, we will provide you with services of highest qualities. Our experts will stay up to date with the latest regulations to provide you with the best support to meet the market requirements. If you require any further information, please feel free to contact us.