Identification of meat species in different types of meat products by PCR

Species identification in food of animal origin is an important subject for food control. Adulteration in foods is relevant for economical, religous, legislation or public health concerning reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the adulteration in different meat products such as sucuk (n=37), sausage (n=33) and salami (n=32). A total of 102 different meat products obtained from various markets in Ankara were analyzed for species identification by PCR. According to the analyzes, five (13.5%) poultry, and one (2.7%) poultry and equine meats together were found in the sucuk samples that are not declared in their labels. Also, seven (21.8%) and two (6.1%) poultry meat were detected in 32 salami and 33 sausage samples, respectively. These results indicate that 15 (14.7%) of the total samples were found to contain undeclared species. As a result, there were meat products which were not in compliance with their labels in various markets, presenting a potential public health risk and economical losses of consumers.