A comparative study of meat products authentication in Isfahan, Tabriz and Tehran

There are different ways to assess the label of meat products with their actual contents. One of the most convenient methods is multiplex-PCR Polymerase chain reaction. For this issue, the multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method used DNA fragments of 153,145, 227 and 104 respectively to identify four species of meats (horse, donkey, pig and cattle/sheep). Thirty five meat samples were obtained from three brands of raw meat (minced meat), prepared products (hamburger) and processed meat (sausage) from Isfahan, Tabriz and Tehran. DNA extraction was performed on all samples and then multiplex-PCR was performed. DNA fragments of 153,145,227 and 104 respectively to identify horse, donkey, pig and cattle/sheep meats. A new program is used for replication process in the polymerase chain reaction device. Of those 35 samples, 6(17%) cases of fraud detected. Among 6 frauds 4(11%) cases were horse meat and 2 (6%) donkey. Most of frauds were in low percentage of meat products (sausage 40% and 50%). Findings showed that fraud occurred in meat products. This disturbs public health, religious faith and fair- trade economic. Therefore, Food and Drug Association must watch the application quality control guidelines by meat producers.