PCR for the detection of species in blood and meat meal

In the present research the AA. have verified the possibility to put in evi dence - by means of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - the presence of bovin e and swine DNA in thermally processed foodstuff (blood and meat meal and " ciccioli"), amplifying a specific fragment from the growth hormone gene. Al though severe heat treatments were applied, neither the extraction yield, n or the specific fragments lenght were negatively influenced. These two frag ments were 108 bp and 130 bp for pork and bovine respectively. PCR put in e vidence in several samples the presence of species not indicated by the pro ducer, inducing to suppose a cross contamination during the production and packaging. As a conclusion, PCR can be considered an helpful technique for the detection of undeclared species, which is of great importance for progr amming a surveillance plan of TSE.