Q01083: Development of methods for the identification of duck, =
pheasant,=20
venison, horse, donkey and wild boar in meat products
Tuesday 26 October 2004
This research project aims to develop a series of DNA assays to =
authenticate=20
the presence of exotic meat species.
Study Duration: July =
2003 to=20
December 2004
Contractor: Central Science =
Laboratory (CSL)
Background
Food labelling regulations require that the species of meat present =
in meat=20
containing products be accurately identified. This has led to the need =
for=20
reliable and specific methods of meat species determination in products. =
DNA=20
techniques dependent on the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have been =
shown to=20
be successful in comparison to traditional protein based methods of meat =
authentication. PCR is highly specific and can be sensitive for target=20
DNA.
Research=20
Approach
The work aims to provide rapid species-specific DNA-based assays for =
duck,=20
pheasant, venison, donkey, horse and wild boar in meat products. This =
will be=20
achieved by:
- Identifying and sequencing variable regions of the mitochondrial=20
cytochrome b gene of each species.
- Designing species-specific primers to produce single PCR amplicons =
in the=20
presence of the desired meat species, a strategy which has already =
been shown=20
to be successful in a previously funded project (AN0695). Primers will =
be=20
designed to allow detection by both gel visualisation and by the =
Taqman=20
system.