Unveiling the mix-up: investigating species and unauthorized tissues in beef-based meat products

Abstract

Customers are very concerned about high-quality products whose provenance is healthy. The identification of meat authenticity is a subject of growing concern for a variety of reasons, including religious, economic, legal, and public health. Between March and April of 2023, 150 distinct marketable beef product samples from various retailers in El-Fayoum, Egypt, were gathered. There were 30 samples of each of the following: luncheon, kofta, sausage, burger, and minced meat. Every sample underwent a histological investigation as well as subjected to a standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to identify meat types that had not been stated by Egyptian regulations. According to the obtained data, the meat products under scrutiny contained a variety of unauthorized tissues which do not match Egyptian regulations. Furthermore, the PCR results indicated that the chicken, camels, donkeys, and pigs derivatives were detected in 60%, 30%, 16%, and 8% of examined samples, respectively. In conclusion, besides displaying a variety of illegal tissues, the majority of the meat items under examination were tainted with flesh from many species. As a result, it is crucial to regularly inspect these products before they are put on the market to ensure that they comply with the law and don’t mislead customers Furthermore, it is advisable for authorities to implement rigorous oversight of food manufacturing facilities to ensure the production of safe and wholesome meat.