Food Control Authorities Research Articles

Egg authentication under seasonal variation using stable isotope analysis combined with machine learning classification

In the European Union (EU) eggs from laying hens are sold in different husbandry systems: enriched cage, barn, free-range and organic. An analytical distinction between the husbandry systems is of interest for the food control authorities, as fraudsters can make high profits by mislabelling the husbandry system of the eggs. In this study, a total of 180 hen's egg samples labelled to originate from barn, free-range and organic hens were taken from food retailers in Germany at monthly intervals over a period of 15 months. The eggs were analysed using stable isotope ratio analysis (IRMS) in order to identify potential influences of different husbandry methods. The analysis on a monthly basis showed that the feeding of the laying hens varied over the year, which makes it difficult to make a clear classification according to the type of husbandry. Temporary events such as the officially ordered poultry quarantine due to the avian influenza, had minor influence on the differentiation of the husbandry types. Various statistical models including linear discriminant analysis (LDA), random forest (RF) and multinomial logistic regression (Multinomial) based on a multi-element approach (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) were used to classify the eggs according to the three types of husbandry. On average, the models achieved a correct classification of approximately 70%. The reduction of the prediction model to two classes (organic vs. conventional eggs) led to a correct classification of almost 80% across all samples. Additionally, significant differences in the mean values of the sulphur isotopes of the organic eggs showed a regional differentiation between Bavaria (southern Germany) and Schleswig-Holstein (northern Germany).

A bibliometric analysis of quality and food safety management in the food development industry

Quality and food safety management (QFSM) presents significant concerns for developing countries worldwide. Researchers have not yet reached a consensus on the most complicated QFSM practices in the food industry. Our study aims to fill the research gap by visualising and analysing 537 articles on QFSM using Biblioshiny. Relevant publications from Dimensions, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases expose the current research status from 1982 to January 2024, without bias. We classified publications about Food Safety Management (FSM) and Food Quality Management (FQM) into four stages: the appearance stage (1982–1995), the stage towards increase (1996–2005), a rapid rise phase (2006–2014), and stable, rapid growth between 2015 and 2024. The review of QFSM recorded 5714 paper references and 1677 authors from 57 countries or regions. The most popular keywords are food quality, food industry, quality, and food safety management. China became the first in the group with 84 publications, while Belgium had the highest citations, with 738 total citations and 49.20 average article citations. The most productive institution is “Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,” while Food Control is the most locally cited source. This study is the first to analyse QFSM resilience using biblioshiny. It is necessary to continue studying the strength of the food industry supply chain related to QFSM. The report identifies critical areas for improvement and future research to assist governments and businesses in developing adaptable food supply networks.

Theoretical design of blockchain-based traceability for organic egg supply chains according to regulation (EU) 2018/848.

The use of blockchain technology to establish food traceability chains has the potential to provide transparent information of food stuffs along the entire supply chain and also aid in the documentation or even execution of official food control processes. Particularly in instances where analytical methodologies cannot provide definitive data for food control questions under study, the certificate-based approach of a traceability chain may offer a way of regulatory control for state authorities. Given the rising importance of organic produce and the high share of eggs among the organic produce in the European Union as well as the new EU regulation on organic products and labelling that came into force in 2022, we analyze here how the control of egg production type and marketing standards can be represented within a blockchain-based traceability chain such as to maximize the traceability in compliance with the current relevant EU regulations. Intended for the use by the official food control authorities, a traceability chain for organically produced eggs in the EU would need to be implemented as a permissioned blockchain, since only select entities are allowed to participate. By combining a proof of authority consensus mechanism with issuance of soulbound tokens, we effectively suggest a 'proof of soulbound authority' consensus process. The soulbound tokens are issued throughout the administrative chain from the European Commission down to the official food control authorities in individual member states that ultimately certify the control bodies for organic produce. Despite the general limitation of not providing unambiguous proof of the organic status of individual products, the concept discussed here offers advantages with respect to allocation of authority at EU level and therefore might have positive effects beyond the traceability chain.

Outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in hospital linked to a fava bean product, Finland, 2015 to 2019.

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a bacterium widely distributed in the environment. Listeriosis is a severe disease associated with high hospitalisation and mortality rates. In April 2019, listeriosis was diagnosed in two hospital patients in Finland. We conducted a descriptive study to identify the source of the infection and defined a case as a person with a laboratory-confirmed Lm serogroup IIa sequence type (ST) 37. Six cases with Lm ST 37 were notified to the Finnish Infectious Diseases Registry between 2015 and 2019. Patient interviews and hospital menus were used to target traceback investigation of the implicated foods. In 2021 and 2022, similar Lm ST 37 was detected from samples of a ready-to-eat plant-based food product including fava beans. Inspections by the manufacturer and the local food control authority indicated that the food products were contaminated with Lm after pasteurisation. Our investigation highlights the importance that companies producing plant-based food are subject to similar controls as those producing food of animal origin. Hospital menus can be a useful source of information that is not dependent on patient recall.

Stakeholder assessment for mycotoxin analysis: exploring the demand along the European food supply chain

Abstract Mycotoxins are amongst the most prevalent food contaminants leading to serious health implications for humans and animals. Limiting exposure to them within the population remains a pressing food safety challenge. Prevention and timely detection are crucial for minimising mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. Therefore easy-to-use, rapid, eco-friendly and low-cost screening methods are increasingly implemented. Early-stage end-user engagement in the technological development process aids and guides the research towards increased societal impact. To investigate these end-user needs, the limitations of the currently used methods and the expectations towards a novel approach were mapped among stakeholders in a comprehensive survey. Stakeholders along the food supply chain (agricultural, food processing, retail, food safety and control, laboratories) were identified in five European countries and contacted. A total of 63 participants completed the survey, which was followed-up by an interview. The results of the survey revealed that different end-user groups have different priorities. Important limiting factors for agricultural, processing and retail stakeholders of the current methodologies include the complexity of sample preparation, high cost and time-to-results. Complementing the accredited laboratory tests with a pre-screening device would be especially interesting for agricultural producers (87.5% of the participants are interested) and food processors (80%), since there is an increasing demand for on-site detection of contamination. On the other hand, food control authorities and commercial laboratories indicated higher priority towards low quantification limits and multi-compound methods. The time to get the results was found to be more important than the testing cost (important aspect for 74.6 versus 66.7%). Overall, the findings of this study are critical input for end-user-targeted development of novel mycotoxin detection platforms.

Assessment of Aspartame (E951) Occurrence in Selected Foods and Beverages on the German Market 2000-2022.

This study examines the occurrence of the artificial sweetener aspartame (E951) in foods and beverages sampled by food control authorities in Germany between 2000 and 2022. The dataset was obtained through the Consumer Information Act. Out of 53,116 samples analyzed, aspartame was present in 7331 samples (14%), of which 5703 samples (11%) in nine major food groups were further evaluated. The results showed that aspartame was most commonly found in powdered drink bases (84%), flavored milk drinks (78%), chewing gum (77%), and diet soft drinks (72%). In the solid food groups, the highest mean aspartame content was detected in chewing gum (1543 mg/kg, n = 241), followed by sports foods (1453 mg/kg, n = 125), fiber supplements (1248 mg/kg, n = 11), powdered drink bases (1068 mg/kg, n = 162), and candies (437 mg/kg, n = 339). Liquid products generally had the highest aspartame content in diet soft drinks (91 mg/L, n = 2021), followed by regular soft drinks (59 mg/L, n = 574), flavored milk drinks (48 mg/kg, n = 207), and mixed beer drinks (24 mg/L, n = 40). These results suggest that aspartame is commonly used in some foods and beverages in Germany. The levels of aspartame found were generally within the legal limits set by the European Union. These findings provide the first comprehensive overview of aspartame in the German food market and may be particularly useful in informing the forthcoming working groups of the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the WHO/FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which are in the process of evaluating the human health hazards and risks associated with the consumption of aspartame.

Detection of adulterated meat products by a next-generation sequencing-based metabarcoding analysis within the framework of the operation OPSON X: a cooperative project of the German National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) and the competent German food control authorities

The German National Reference Centre for Authentic Food (NRZ-Authent) and the competent German food control authorities of the federal states cooperated within the framework of the 10th joint Europol INTERPOL operation OPSON (OPSON X) in the detection of adulterated meat products. A total of 63 meat product samples were collected and analysed by the authorities using standard analytical procedures and subjected to a recently published 16S rDNA metabarcoding analysis. The sequence reads were analysed using 3 bioinformatics data processing strategies. The study aimed to gain additional data on the test samples regarding the authenticity of the declared species and to validate the 16S rDNA metabarcoding method with representative samples. The method was tested not only on 63 test samples, but also on 5 commercial samples from 2 interlaboratory comparison studies and 9 mock mixtures in parallel. The 16S rDNA metabarcoding method was able to detect species that were not target species of the used standard analytical methods, but failed, as shown previously, to detect fallow deer. Otherwise, the qualitative results of the 16S rDNA metabarcoding method were very similar to those of the methods currently in use by the German food control laboratories. Thus, the method has great potential to be used as a screening method for the authentication of mammal and poultry species in meat products.

Oral acute and subchronic (28-day) toxicity studies of snakehead fish (Channa striata)

Food and drug control authorities in each country have issued warnings about the toxic effect potential of using commonly consumed traditional medicines. The safety assurance, standardization, and market regulation of herbal medicines being sold need to be determined. This study's goal is to investigate the acute and subchronic toxicity of cold-processed snakehead fish (Channa striata) flesh. In-vivo rats models were given dosages of 350, 1400, and 5600 mg/kg processed snakehead fish (SF) and were monitored for toxic symptoms and mortality for 14 days. Meanwhile, regarding subchronic toxicity, doses of 350, 700, and 1400 mg/kg SF were administered orally for 28 days. Afterward, the animal subjects were sacrificed for histopathological, hematological, and biochemical examinations. There were no evidence of toxicity or mortality in rats during the acute examination, which lasted 14 days. The subchronic toxicity results showed no significant changes in most of the hematological, biochemical, and histological profiles of the organs. Some changes observed in blood biochemistry and relative organ weight were assumed as a temporary effect and not a sign of toxicity. The overall results showed that the SF was non-toxic up to 1400 mg/kg, which can be considered a safe dose for the application of health supplement raw materials.

Perceived causes, diagnosis methods and treatment practices of mental illness among traditional healers of the Berta community in Assosa, Ethiopia.

Mental illness is a non-communicable disease that is increasingly contributing to the global burden of diseases and disability. It affects a person's feelings, thinking, behavior, and daily life functioning. The purpose of this study was to explore perceived causes of mental illness, techniques for identifying mental illness, and treatment methods used by traditional healers in the Berta community. The study employed a qualitative research method. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews with seven traditional healers who were selected purposefully. We used thematic analysis to present and analyze the data. The findings of this study indicated that witchcraft, supernatural power, hereditary, substance use, and food poising as the main perceived causes of mental illness among traditional healers in the Berta community. The traditional healers identify mental illness using different techniques such as patient observation, interviews with a patient's family, use of religious books, and use of herbals. The traditional healers in the Berta community identify mental illness based on behavioral symptoms like talking about things that don't make sense, laughing alone, taking off clothes in public places, collecting and carrying dirty materials, eating dirty foods, and harming or intention to harm others. The traditional healers in the Berta community use herbals, religious books, and bone divination to guide their treatment of persons with mental illnesses. Some of these traditional healing practices options are peculiar to the Berta Community that are used to diagnosize and treat mental illnesses. The traditional healing practices of the Berta community should be recognized, licensed, and supported by the Ministry of Health and the Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration and Control Authority.

Detection and risk associated with organochlorine, organophosphorus, pyrethroid and carbamate pesticide residues in chicken muscle and organ meats in Jordan

The aims of this study were to: i) analyze the prevalence and concentration of pesticides belonging to 4 major classes, namely organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids in chicken meat, liver and kidney; ii) evaluate the impact of boiling, frying and freezing on pesticide levels in chicken meat, and iii) estimate the dietary exposure to pesticide residues in chicken meat and conduct a risk assessment. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC – MS/MS) was used to determine the concentrations of pesticide residues in samples. A total of 300 domestic (local) and imported samples were collected from the marketplace in Jordan. About 2.3%, 48.3%, 83%, and 46.3% of the samples exceeded MRLs for the organochlorine, organophosphorus, carbamate and pyrethroid pesticide groups, respectively. About 90% of the local and imported muscle samples and almost all the local and imported liver samples contained one or more pesticide above the MRL. Among all the samples tested, two pesticides, namely deltamethrin and fenoxycarb, occurred in high concentrations. Domestic samples were observed to have higher concentrations of pesticides compared to their imported counterparts. The pesticides concentrations decreased by about 50, 75 and 15% after boiling, frying and freezing, respectively. Risk assessment has shown that there is no potential risk from consuming chicken meat, however, local chicken meat is of more concern than is imported product. This study will help food control authorities develop appropriate regulations regarding the use of pesticides in Jordan.

Chinese Consumers’ Purchase Intention for Organic Meat: An Extension of the Theory of Planned Behaviour

There are various factors, such as the use of growth hormones, chemical additives in animal feed, animal welfare, health issues, and environmental concerns, which have led to a steady increase in global consumption of organic meat. The literature on organic consumer behaviour recently focuses on emerging Asian markets, especially China’s most populous markets. This study aims to investigate the factors that affect Chinese consumers’ intention to purchase organic meat. Survey questionnaire method has been employed to collect the required data. The data were collected from 305 consumers from three different organic stores in Wuhan, China. The partial least structural equation modelling (PLS- SEM) has been employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that the consumers’ attitude, health consciousness, food safety concern, and green self-identity are key factors in developing Chinese consumers’ intention to purchase organic meat. The findings further revealed that subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, meat characteristics, and organic knowledge about organic meat have a non-significant relationship in developing the consumers’ intention to purchase organic meat. It has been observed that the concept of organic meat has been less studied and less investigated. This study’s findings could help farm owners, market managers, advertising managers, food control authority officials, and all those related to meat business, in planning and executing future strategies to attract the maximum number of organic meat consumers in China.

A feasibility study on nondestructive classification of frozen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fillets based on temperature history at the logistics using NIR spectroscopy.

Temperature fluctuation commonly occurs in the cold chain leading to complete or partial thawing and refreezing of frozen products resulting in a multifrozen product. Such oscillation of temperature could cause significant quality reduction compared to single frozen products. This study was designed to differentiate frozen Atlantic salmon fillets based on the level of temperature fluctuation. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) coupled with chemometrics was used to classify the frozen fillets stored at no fluctuation (NF), low fluctuation (LF), high fluctuation (HF), and very high fluctuation (VF) temperature. Using spectral profiles obtained at both frozen and thawed states, fillets were classified based on the level of temperature fluctuation by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The thawed samples showed better classification accuracy (71%) than frozen samples (66%) in a four-class model. Considering the small variation within the first two (NF, LF) and the last two (HF, VF) groups, a two-class classification model was developed using thawed samples, and the obtained model correctly classified the two groups ([NF, LF] and [HF, VF]) with 100 % classification accuracy. Protein- and water-related changes were found important to distinguish the fillets. Based on these findings, the four-class prediction model is found insufficient to be used for nondestructive determination of temperature history of frozen fillets. However, the two-class prediction model with further external validation can be applied to determine the level of temperature fluctuation particularly using fillets scanned at thawed state. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: NIR spectroscopy can be used to evaluate the degree of temperature fluctuation and thus related quality loss throughout the logistics of frozen Atlantic salmon fillets. Researchers, food control authorities, and the retail industry could be the primary beneficiaries of this research output.

Carcinogenic and neurotoxic risks of acrylamide consumed through bread, kaak, toast, and crackers among the Lebanese Population

The present study deals with the assessment of acrylamide levels, dietary intake and toxicity associated with food products which constitute the main components of a Lebanese breakfast including bread, crackers, toast and kaak. Quantification of acrylamide levels was performed on a UPLC-MS/MS spectrometer and upon correlation with the results of a community survey, the carcinogenic and neurotoxic risks associated with the dietary intake of acrylamide were calculated.The average exposure to acrylamide from the investigated dietary products was found to be 5 times higher than the intake of 0.08 μg/kg-bw/day, as estimated by the NFCA (Norwegian Food Control Authority) and 3 times higher than the intake of 0.14 μg/kg-bw/day as set by the WHO (World Health Organization). MOEN and MOEC (Margin of Exposure for neurotoxic and carcinogenic risks) values ranged between 290 and 556, and between 449 and 861 respectively.Kaak, Crackers, and Toast appear to pose no neurotoxic or carcinogenic risk of concern among the entire population as well as the individual age groups. French bread and Lebanese bread pose different levels of carcinogenic risk among the entire population as well as various age groups. The results also indicate that 24% of children, 4% of young adults and 8% of adults are at both neurotoxic and carcinogenic risks.

Incidence and characteristics of food-related criminal cases in Finland

Food fraud is an increasingly acknowledged problem that can cause unfair competition in the market, contribute to the grey economy, cause financial losses and threaten the health of consumers. Even so, little research exists on food-related criminal cases. The aim of this study was to characterize Finnish food-related criminal cases in order to improve understanding of the prevention of food-related crime. We investigated 127 cases resolved by the police, prosecutors, or district courts under the titles of food offence, health offence or marketing offence from 2008 to 2019. The analysis revealed that the incidence of cases was low and varied regionally, which may be due to varying abilities to detect cases and differences in reporting them to the police. The most common non-compliances in the cases we analysed were unapproved or unregistered premises or activities (43.3%), false or misleading information provided on food products (39.4%), and insufficient or incorrect, false or misleading documents (31.5%). Safety hazards were associated with 45.7% of cases, while 2.4% involved verifiable instances of illness, which demonstrates that preventing food crime is important for consumer safety. The majority of cases (51.2%) were detected during food control inspections, highlighting the importance of performing inspections on-site. In addition, tip-offs to food control authorities about possible food-related crime (29.1% of cases) were an important mode of detection and could possibly be even more important if Finland were to have a centralized anonymous whistleblowing system. In total, 59.8% of cases led to a conviction or a sanction, and the most common type of punishment was a fine. Nevertheless, the fines tended to be rather low, and the proceeds of crime were recovered in only a few cases. More training for food control inspectors on the detection of food-related crime, harmonized reporting practices, and increased legal praxis throughout the country could improve the detection and prevention of food crime in the future. • Food-related crime is a regular but rarely reported occurrence in Finland. • Food control inspections and tip-offs are important in case detection. • A safety hazard was commonly associated with the cases. • Punishments were rather lenient and the proceeds of crime were seldom reclaimed. • More training in case detection and harmonized practices in reporting are needed.

Quantification of mycotoxin residues in domestic and imported chicken muscle, liver and kidney in Jordan

This study aimed to detect mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol) residues in imported frozen/local fresh chicken muscle and local fresh liver/kidney samples in Jordan. A total of 300 samples composed of 50 imported frozen and 150 locally produced fresh chicken muscle, 50 fresh liver and 50 kidney samples were analyzed. These were examined for mycotoxins using liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (LC–MS/MS). The overall concentrations of mycotoxin residues in the tested samples ranged from 0.03 to 2920.00 μg/kg (mean 0.23–324.24 μg/kg). Zearalenone and aflatoxin B1 exceeding the maximum residue level (MRL) were found in 14 and 2% of the imported chicken muscle samples, respectively. Aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol above the MRL were found in 0.7%, 10.7% and 8.7% of local chicken muscle samples, respectively. Zearalenone (>MRL) was the only toxin detected in the local liver samples whereas zearalenone, fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol (>MRL) were present in local kidney samples. The results revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of deoxynivalenol between local and imported chicken muscle samples ( P < 0.05), while fumonisin B1 was significantly higher in local chicken kidney samples than local chicken muscle or liver samples. Results also showed that zearalenone was significantly higher in liver (30.0%) than in kidney samples (8.0%). These data may be useful to food control authorities in Jordan to implement mycotoxins residue monitoring and controls in all chicken meat products. • Zearalenone (4%) and aflatoxin B1 (2%) (>MRL) were found in imported chicken. • Aflatoxin B1 (>MRL) was found at low level (0.7%) in local chicken samples. • Zearalenone (10.7%) and deoxynivalenol (8.7%) (>MRL) were found in local chicken. • Zearalenone (>MRL) was detected in both liver (15%) and kidney (8%) samples. • Fumonisin B1 (8%) and deoxynivalenol (4%) >MRL were also found in kidney samples.

Formy przestępczości żywnościowej na przykładzie branży mięsnej

The article deals with the topic of food crime. At the beginning, a short historical sketch was made. Then, on the basis of the English-language literature, the phenomenon of food crime was characterized, which is extremely comprehensive, as it has many verbal features. The above considerations constitute an introduction to the discussion of examples of adulteration of meat and meat products in the light of documents from the food inspections carried out. Then, describes the structure of the food control authorities in Poland and presents their disadvantages and proposes potential directions of their reforms.

Seaweeds as a “Palatable” Challenge between Innovation and Sustainability: A Systematic Review of Food Safety

Moderate or severe food insecurity affect 2 billion people worldwide. The four pillars of food security (availability, access, use and stability) are in danger due to the impact of climatic and anthropogenic factors which impact on the food system. Novel foods, like seaweeds, have the potential to increase food yields so that to contribute in preventing or avoiding future global food shortages. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess microbiological, chemical, physical, and allergenic risks associated with seaweed consumption. Four research strings have been used to search for these risks. Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were applied. Finally, 39 articles met the selected criteria. No significant hazards for microbiological, allergenic, and physical risks were detected. Regarding chemical risk, algae can accumulate various heavy metals, especially when harvested in polluted sites. Cultivating seaweeds in a controlled environment allows to avoid this risk. Periodic checks will be necessary on the finished products to monitor heavy metals levels. Since the consumption of algae seems to be on the rise everywhere, it seems to be urgent that food control authorities establish the safety levels to which eating algae does not represent any risk for human health.

A DNA microarray for the authentication of giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) and whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei): a proof-of-principle

This proof-of-principle study describes the development of a rapid and easy-to-use DNA microarray assay for the authentication of giant tiger prawns and whiteleg shrimp. Following DNA extraction and conventional end-point PCR of a 16S rDNA segment, the PCR products are hybridised to species-specific oligonucleotide probes on DNA microarrays located at the bottom of centrifuge tubes (ArrayTubes) and the resulting signal patterns are compared to those of reference specimens. A total of 21 species-specific probes were designed and signal patterns were recorded for 47 crustacean specimens belonging to 16 species of seven families. A hierarchical clustering of the signal patterns demonstrated the specificity of the DNA microarray for the two target species. The DNA microarray can easily be expanded to other important crustaceans. As the complete assay can be performed within half a day and does not require taxonomic expertise, it represents a rapid and simple alternative to tedious DNA barcoding and could be used by crustacean trading companies as well as food control authorities for authentication of crustacean commodities.Graphical abstract

A Program for Developing Locally Food Supervision to Support Sanitary Monitoring Work

Food supervision in Iraq is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Environment, which conductsfood supervision to all food establishments worked in Iraq by the department of sanitary monitoring inBaghdad city as well as all directorates of health in Iraqi provinces. As a result of increasing the numberof food businesses national wide in last years, increasing the number of consumers, Iraq’s openness to theinternational market, and using the policy of random import. Due to the mentioned reasons, many problemsrelated to consumer’s health has appeared, this matter pushed the Iraqi Government to establish committees,organized seminars, and workshops related to this subject to resolve problems effected in consumer’shealth. This problem requires more effort from researchers and specialists in food supervision and sanitarymonitoring in Iraq to protect consumer’s health especially from foodborne diseases. The proposed programis the start of the way towards new food safety policy in Iraq and it will be considered as the essential baseof reorganization food control authorities in Iraq and updating national food regulations and legislations.

Detection of animal DNA in vegan food by multiplex qPCR system

Vegan food claims to be free of all animal material. This must be verified by the food control authority and the production control laboratory. The method must be sensitive and able to detect animal material after processing such as pasteurization and storage. We have, therefore, developed a multiplex qPCR to simultaneously detect animal, fish and plant DNA in food samples. The system is cost-efficient and exhibited a high sensitivity. The specificity tests confirmed that all relevant species are detected. The plant-specific system served as a DNA isolation control and was used to generate valid results. A large selection of market samples had been analyzed and showed the expected results and the robustness of this analytical tool in routine analysis.