Identification of marker in processed meat products of different species by using Real-time PCR

Abstract

In order to secure consumer safety against false record and inaccurate information on processed meat products, it is necessary to establish a detection method for raw meat used in processed meat products. This study performed a quantitative analysis of raw meat of cattle (Bos taurus), pigs (Sus scrofa), and chickens (Gallus gallus) used in the production of processed meat products using the Real-time PCR method, which can confirm gene expression and detection amount in real time. For the species-specific primer design, the sequence of the D-loop and Cytochrome b (Cyt-b) gene in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which are widely used for species identification due to its high mutation rate, were used. As a result of the species-specific real-time PCR, the cycle quantification (Cq) value expressed according to the species was found to be high in the order of pigs, cattle, and chickens, and no cross-reaction appeared. Based on the results of confirming species specificity, 52 processed meat products on sale were classified into 5 types (Ham, Tteokgalbi, Pattie, Can ham, Sausage), and real-time PCR was performed. All ingredients label in the processed meat products except for Can ham No. 7 were detected, and those that did not match the label were No. 2 and No. 5 in Ham, No. 2, No. 6, No. 16 in Sausage, and No. 1 and 4 in Tteokgalbi. A total of 7 products showed a specific reaction of chickens. In the case of products with different detection results from the labeled ingredients, intentional or unintentional mixing could be suspected through the difference in Cq values of the main ingredient and unlabeled ingredient. If a quantitative analysis method for raw meat is established and commercialized by optimizing these Real-time PCR conditions, it is thought that consumers' awareness and safety will be improved.

Figures & Tables