Isoelectric Focusing of Proteins in The pH Gradient As a Tool for Identification of Species Origin of Raw Meat

Isoelectric point barcode and similarity analysis with the earth mover's distance for identification of species origin of raw meat

In this work, by combining the microcolumn isoelectric focusing (mIEF) and similarity analysis with the earth mover's distance (EMD) metric, we proposed the concept of isoelectric point (pI) barcode for the identification of species origin of raw meat. At first, we used the mIEF to analyze 14 meat species, including 8 species of livestock and 6 species of poultry, to generate 140 electropherograms of myoglobin/hemoglobin (Mb/Hb) markers. Secondly, we binarized the electropherograms and converted them into the pI barcodes that only showed the major Mb/Hb bands for the EMD analysis. Thirdly, we efficiently developed the barcode database of 14 meat species and successfully used the EMD method to identify 9 meat products thanks to the high throughput of mIEF and the simplified format of the barcode for similarity analysis. The developed method had the merits of facility, rapidity and low cost. The developed concept and method had evident potential to the facile identification of meat species.

Adoption of analytical technologies for verification of authenticity of halal foods - a review

Halal authentication has become essential in the food industry to ensure food is free from any prohibited ingredients according to Islamic law. Diversification of food origin and adulteration issues have raised concerns among Muslim consumers. Therefore, verification of food constituents and their quality is paramount. From conventional methods based on physical and chemical properties, various diagnostic methods have emerged relying on protein or DNA measurements. Protein-based methods that have been used in halal detection including electrophoresis, chromatographic-based methods, molecular spectroscopy and immunoassays. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are DNA-based techniques that possess better accuracy and sensitivity. Biosensors are miniatured devices that operate by converting biochemical signals into a measurable quantity. CRISPR-Cas is one of the latest novel emerging nucleic acid detection tools in halal food analysis as well as quantification of stable isotopes method for identification of animal species. Within this context, this review provides an overview of the various techniques in halal detection along with their advantages and limitations. The future trend and growth of detection technologies are also discussed in this review.

Analysis of a Trichinellosis Outbreak in Poland after Consumption of Sausage Made of Wild Boar Meat

An outbreak of trichinellosis due to the consumption of sausage made from wild boar meat unexamined for the presence of Trichinella spp. was reported in Poland in December 2020. The outbreak affected eight people. Examination of the sausages made of wild boar meat collected during epidemiological investigation indicated a high level of Trichinella spp. Larvae per gram (>30 lpg) and therefore the threat of an infection in humans after consumption of such product was significant. Over the years, the main source of trichinellosis in Poland has been wild boar meat, and the majority of trichinellosis cases were related to the consumption of traditional raw meat products such as Polish sausage. Taking this into account, there is the need for better education of consumers in the Trichinella spp. endemic regions and among cultures consuming traditional raw meat products.

Current analytical methods for porcine identification in meat and meat products

Authentication of meat products is critical in the food industry. Meat adulteration may lead to religious apprehensions, financial gain and food-toxicities such as meat allergies. Thus, empirical validation of the quality and constituents of meat is paramount. Various analytical methods often based on protein or DNA measurements are utilized to identify meat species. Protein-based methods, including electrophoretic and immunological techniques, are at times unsuitable for discriminating closely related species. Most of these methods have been replaced by more accurate and sensitive detection methods, such as DNA-based techniques. Emerging technologies like DNA barcoding and mass spectrometry are still in their infancy when it comes to their utilization in meat detection. Gold nanobiosensors have shown some promise in this regard. However, its applicability in small scale industries is distant. This article comprehensively reviews the recent developments in the field of analytical methods used for porcine identification.