Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of possible species substitution in food products submitted to severe heat treatments

A PCR assay was developed in order to identify bovine and pig meat: in food stuff such as homogenized baby food, meat and tuna spreadable products, can ned meat, skimmed milk powder and pet food. These products are generally su bmitted to severe heat treatments, so chat species identification based on classical electrophoresis methods is not feasible. in all samples, the DNA analysis has allowed the identification of the expected species, acid there fore a correct labelling. The study has confirmed the effectiveness of PCR technique for the identification and characterization of Food components.