Meat Traceability Research Articles

MiRNAs as Biomolecular Markers for Food Safety, Quality, and Traceability in Poultry Meat-A Preliminary Study.

In this study, the expression and abundance of two candidate chicken (Gallus gallus; gga) microRNAs (miRNAs, miR), gga-miR-21-5p (miR-21) and gga-miR-126-5p (miR-126), have been analyzed in order to identify biomarkers for the traceability and quality of poultry meat. Two breeds of broiler chickens were tested: the most common Ross308 (fast-growing) and the high-quality Ranger Gold (slow-growing). A preliminary analysis of the two miRNAs expressions was conducted across various tissues (liver, lung, spleen, skeletal muscle, and kidney), and the three tissues (lung, spleen, and muscle) with a higher expression were chosen for further analysis. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), the expression of miRNAs in the three tissues of a total of thirteen animals was determined. The results indicate that miR-126 could be a promising biomarker for the lung tissue in the Ranger Gold (RG) breed (p < 0.01), thus suggesting a potential applicability for tracing hybrids. RG exhibits a significantly higher miR-126 expression in the lung tissue compared to the Ross308 broilers (R308), an indication of greater respiratory capacity and, consequently, a higher oxidative metabolism of the fast-growing hybrid. During sampling, two R308 broilers presented some anomalies, including airsacculitis, hepatic steatosis, and enlarged spleen. The expression of miR-126 and miR-21 was compared in healthy animals and in those presenting anomalies. Chickens with airsacculitis and hepatic steatosis showed an up-regulation of miR-21 and miR-126 in the most commercially valuable tissue, the skeletal muscle or breast (p < 0.05).

Identification of individual goat animals by means of near infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics analysis of commercial meat cuts.

Although the identification of animal species and muscles have been reported previously, no studies have been found on the use of NIR spectroscopy to identify individual animals from the analysis of commercial meat cuts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a portable near infrared (NIR) instrument combined with classical chemometrics methods [principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis PLS-DA)] to identify the origin of individual goat animals using the spectral signature of their commercial cut. Samples were collected from several carcasses (6 commercial cuts x 24 animals) sourced from a commercial abattoir in Queensland (Australia). The NIR spectra of the samples were collected using a portable NIR instrument in the wavelength range between 950 and 1600nm. Overall, the PLS-DA models correctly classify 82% and 79% of the individual goat samples using either the goat rack or loin cut samples, respectively. The study demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy was able to identify individual goat animals based on the spectra properties of some of the commercial cut samples analysed (e.g. loin and rack). These results showed the potential of this technique to identify individual animals as an alternative to other laboratory methods and techniques commonly used in meat traceability.

A database for buffalo meat traceability in India

Farm-to-fork traceability has emerged as benchmark for meat quality assurance in the International meat market. India is the largest exporter of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) meat in the world; nevertheless, need for indigenous traceability system based quality assurance protocols to enable exports to the developed countries has been increasingly emphasized. To address this gap, a complete protocol for achieving traceability was conceptualized and a traceability database (www.livestocktraceindia.in) was developed to support the Indian buffalo meat sector. Traceability model and the database established was field tested. This article provides brief information of the traceability framework and the mode of its operation. The traceability database encompasses enrolment of animals, farms and abattoirs. Animal identification was achieved using ear tags with Internationally accepted identification numbers. Premises including farms and abattoirs were identified using unique pin code based system. Provision was given to end user to retrieve information and trace back the origin of meat using the database’s retrieval system. Database and traceability protocols developed can help promote livestock sector, meat traceability and meat export in India. The database can act as model for establishment of traceability system in other countries producing and exporting the buffalo meat.

Designing and Developing a Meat Traceability System: A Case Study for the Greek Meat Industry

This research paper investigates the importance of traceability in the meat industry. It explains that the global market’s intense competition and consumers’ increased expectations have forced companies to implement electronic traceability systems to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and mitigate incidents and fraud. The meat industry is facing increased consumer awareness and concern about food quality and safety. Consumers are extremely sensitive to food production conditions, and traceability can help companies increase consumers’ trust. This work describes the design and implementation of a customized traceability system, developed using the Agile method, for the local meat industry. For the needs of the project, advanced and innovative information and communication technologies and tools, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things, were also used. The main problem that this research aims to address is the lack of transparency in three phases: transparency within the industry’s internal processes, transparency in the life of the animal from the moment of its birth, and transparency towards the consumer. The objectives of this research are twofold. First, we aim to digitize the Greek meat industry. Concurrently, we intend to create a traceability system that will generate important data, thereby providing valuable information for all stakeholders.

Elemental profiles of swine tissues as descriptors for the traceability of value-added Italian heavy pig production chains

The increasing demand for reliable traceability tools in the meat supply chain has prompted the exploration of innovative approaches that meet stringent quality standards. In this work, 57 elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and direct mercury analysis in 80 muscle and 80 liver samples of Italian heavy pigs to investigate the potential of new tools based on multi-elemental profiles in supporting value-added meat supply chains. Samples from three groups of animals belonging to the protected designation of origin (PDO) Parma Ham circuit (conventionally raised; raised with genetically modified organism (GMO)-free feeds; raised with GMO-free feeds plus the supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA)) and a fourth group of samples from animals not compliant with the PDO Parma Ham production process were analyzed. Hierarchical cluster analysis allowed for the identification of three macro-clusters of liver or muscle samples, highlighting some inhomogeneities among the target groups. Following SIMCA analysis, better classification models were obtained by using liver elemental profiles (95% correct classification rate), with the highest classification accuracy observed for GMO-free livers (100%). The elements contributing the most to the separation of livers by class membership were La, Ce, and Pb for conventional, Li, Cr, Fe, As, and Sr for GMO-free + n-3 PUFA, and Lu for non-PDO samples. Given these findings, the analysis of the elemental profiles of pig tissues can be regarded as a promising method to confirm the declared pig meat label attributes, deter potential complex fraud, and support meat traceability systems.

Mapping of dressed and processed poultry products in Bangladesh: Identifying the food safety risks for policy intervention

Bangladesh’s commercial poultry production is growing rapidly, including the commercial processing of poultry. This expansion of poultry processing plants is fueled by the belief that this sub-sector provides safer food and has less food-borne disease risks compared to traditional live bird markets (LBMs). The purpose of this study is to describe Bangladesh’s dressed and processed poultry production and distribution network (PDN), identify what and where quality control occurs, and suggest where improvements could be made. Engaging with PDN for dressed and processed poultry, we used in-depth interviews with key informants to identify the stakeholders involved and their connections with other poultry PDNs. In addition, we mapped out the supply and distribution of dressed and processed poultry and quality control processes occurring throughout the network. We argue that dressed and processed poultry PDNs are closely connected with traditional PDNs such as LBMs, with multiple crossover points between them. Also, there is a lack of consistency in quality control testing and a lack of meat traceability. Consequently, perceptions of dressed and processed poultry being safer than birds from LBMs needs to be treated with caution. Otherwise, unsubstantiated consumer confidence in dressed poultry may inadvertently increase the risk of food-borne diseases from these products.

Design of Meat Product Safety Information Chain Traceability System Based on UHF RFID.

As a result of the current imperfection of the meat traceability system, there have been numerous food safety events with serious consequences. In this paper, a meat product information traceability system is designed to efficiently prevent such problems. This system develops an identification tag information reader based on ultra-high frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). It is compatible with LoRa wireless, USB serial port, RS485, and RJ45 Ethernet connection. Among them, the efficiency analysis of the Q-value algorithm finds that the recognition rate of the system reaches a maximum of about 0.367 when the number of tags n is about the frame length. The multi-tag anti-collision algorithm design based on the algorithm improves the efficiency of information collection in production and distribution links. The traceability code identification scheme is designed to effectively match various links, and the platform of system is built using LabVIEW2014 software, which has five sub-modules including user management, farm management, slaughter management, logistics management, and sales management. The system uses MySQL databases to store traceability information so that users can complete their queries by entering the traceability code on the system platform. The system not only has a low cost and a broad range of applications, but it also realizes the tracking record of meat product traceability information from breeding to selling, completes the function from information collection to information inquiry, and solves the problem of the incomplete traceability information chain. In addition, the system not only enhances the informational transparency of meat products in the product supply chain but also provides information for the regulatory authorities to effectively monitor safety.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of the Native Pulawska and Three Commercial Pig Breeds Based on Microsatellite Markers.

Swine DNA profiling is highly important for animal identification and parentage verification and also increasingly important for meat traceability. This work aimed to analyze the genetic structure and genetic diversity in selected Polish pig breeds. The study used a set of 14 microsatellite (STR) markers recommended by ISAG for parentage verification in the native Puławska pig (PUL, n = 85) and three commercial pig breeds: Polish Large White (PLW, n = 74), Polish Landrace (PL, n = 85) and foreign breed Duroc (DUR, n = 84). Genetic differentiation among breeds accounted for 18% of the total genetic variability (AMOVA). Bayesian structure analysis (STRUCTURE) indicated that the four distinct genetic clusters obtained corresponded to the four breeds studied. The genetic Reynolds distances (Ɵw) showed a close relationship between PL and PLW breeds and the most distant for DUR and PUL pigs. The genetic differentiation values (FST) were lower between PL and PLW and higher between PUL and DUR. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) supported the classification of the populations into four clusters.

Risk Cultures and Meat Traceability in The United States and Zambia

Risk Cultures and Meat Traceability in The United States and Zambia

A genomic breed assignment test for traceability of meat of Dual-Purpose Blue

Assigning meat to its breed of origin for traceability purposes is not always straightforward if the breed from which products are derived is closely related to another one. The objective of this study was to determine if a genomic breed assignment test could distinguish meat of Dual-Purpose Blue, a local endangered breed, from meat of Beef Belgian Blue, a heavily used breed in the Belgian meat industry which is related to Dual-Purpose Blue. For this purpose, a genomic breed assignment test based on a panel of 2,005 SNPs and the nearest shrunken centroids method was used to classify 32 meat samples from Dual-Purpose Blue (n = 16), Beef Belgian Blue (n = 8) and Holstein (n = 8) into their breed of origin. From this SNP panel, 167 SNPs allowed to detect meat of Dual-Purpose Blue and 173 SNPs allowed to detect meat of Beef Belgian Blue. The genomic breed assignment test correctly allocated all the meat samples to their breed of origin with a probability of one. Therefore, the use of the genomic breed assignment test in routine as one step of the certification process of Dual-Purpose Blue meat seemed possible.

Traceability of Meat and Meat Products

Traceability of Meat and Meat Products

Rastreability of bovine meat and bone meal using the stable isotope technique in egg production

The present study aimed to verify whether the inclusion of other ingredients in the diet of laying hens could interfere with the traceability of bovine meat and bone meal (BMBM) in eggs through stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis. Two hundred and fifty-six white laying hens were used and randomly distributed into eight treatments composed of: CONTROL: control diet; GLUTEN: control diet + corn gluten; YEAST: control diet + yeast; GLUTEN + YEAST: control diet + corn gluten + yeast; BMBM: control diet + 4.5 % BMBM; BMBM + GLUTEN: control diet + corn gluten + 4.5 % BMBM; BMBM + YEAST: control diet + yeast + 4.5 % BMBM; BMBM + GLUTEN + YEAST: control diet + corn gluten + yeast + 4.5 % BMBM. The isotopic results were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and LDA multivariate linear discriminant analysis. At 28 days, the eggs of the birds given diets without the addition of BMBM differed from the CONTROL group. The yolks showed that all treatments were significantly different from the CONTROL, and at 56 days, all eggs and egg yolks were different from the CONTROL. At 28 days, albumen was significantly different for all CONTROL experimental treatments; however, at 56 days, the YEAST treatment showed no difference from the control. Thus, it was concluded that even with the addition of other ingredients, the isotope technique is still able to detect the BMBM in eggs.

Rural criminal collaborations and the food crimes of the countryside: realist social relations theory of illicit venison production

This article provides the first comprehensive criminological account of routinised illicit venison production in rural England. In doing so an epistemological reformulation and conceptual clarification of the overlooked problem is advanced, using extended fieldwork and a novel theoretical framework. The account of offending is refined to a type of illicit rural food enterprise supply chain misconduct, actualised by un-regulated industry processes. This kind of food crime is shown to be reliant upon suspects’ connectivity with small to medium food business operations and the routines of rural occupations. Such relations with licit rural-centric commerce are the necessary conditions of offending, which are enabled by the contingent conditions of sub-optimal game meat traceability systems and an absence of regulatory oversight at critical junctures. An outcome that is structurally inscribed into legislation and induces non-compliance. The article addresses the current lacuna of research on venison meat food crimes in the British context and advances an innovative realist social relations theory to explain the crime commissioning process.

Meat Traceability: Traditional Market Shoppers' Preferences and Willingness-to-Pay for Additional Information in Taiwan.

Due to food scandals that shocked the retailer markets, traceability systems were advocated to regain consumers’ confidence and trust. However, while traceability systems can be more easily explored in modern markets, almost no traceability system can be found in traditional markets in Taiwan, especially when buying meat products. This study explored the preference and the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for traceability information of pork products in traditional markets in Taiwan. The random utility theory (RUT) with the contingent valuation method (CVM) was adopted to examine the total of 1420 valid responses in Taiwan. Results show that 80% of traditional market consumers are willing to pay more for traceability information of pork products. Specifically, when consumers (1) know the market price of pork, (2) do not often buy food in the traditional market, (3) live in south or north regions of Taiwan, (4) have a flexible buying schedule, (5) are aware of food safety due to frequently accessing health-related content through media, or (6) think pork grading is very important, they would tend to choose meat products with traceability information. The implication of this study suggests that there is an urgent desire for food safety labeling and traceability information system in traditional markets in Taiwan. Especially, those who usually shop in the higher-price markets are willing to pay the most for this traceability information.

Safety, Quality and Analytical Authentication of ḥalāl Meat Products, with Particular Emphasis on Salami: A Review.

Only some animal species could be transformed into ḥalāl salami and the raw meat must be obtained from ritually slaughtered animals. Several scientific studies have been conducted on ritual slaughtering practices and manufacturing of meat products for Jewish and Muslim religious communities; furthermore, many projects have been funded by the European Community on this topic. The authenticity and traceability of meat is one of the priorities of ḥalāl food certification systems. The pig matrix (meat and/or lard) may be fraudulently present in ḥalāl processed meat, as well as salami, for both economic and technological purposes; in fact, the use of these raw materials reflects the easier availability and their lower cost; furthermore, it allows manufacturers to obtain final products with better quality (sensory properties) and stability (especially with respect to oxidative reactions). The aim of this review is to discuss the qualitative and technological aspects of ḥalāl raw meat for dry fermented sausages (salami); moreover, this study focuses on the most recent studies carried out on the certification system and on the analytical methods performed in order to solve problems such as fraud and adulteration of ḥalāl salami and other halal meat foods.

Stable isotopes verify geographical origin of yak meat from Qinghai-Tibet plateau

High-value yak meat from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was investigated using stable isotopes (δ13C, δ2H, δ18O, δ15N and δ34S) to identify attributes which could verify and protect its geographical origin. Supervised PLS-DA was applied to the isotope data to discriminate four geographical locations. δ13C, δ2H, and δ18O values showed significant differences according to origin while δ15N and δ34S values did not show any change across the different regions. Isotope values of different body tissues from the same animal showed no statistical difference for the five stable isotopes. In addition, the δ2H and δ18O values of defatted yak meat was highly correlated to farm altitude and associated drinking water. This yak meat traceability method is particularly useful to protect the Product of Geographical Indication (PGI) status of Gannan yak meat and verify the farming origin of yak meat sold in markets for food safety purposes, especially when excessive hormones, pesticides or heavy metals are found.

Multiallelic marker system for traceability of Black Slavonian pig meat

Meat from Black Slavonian pig (Crna slavonska, CS), an autochthonous Croatian breed, is used for the production of high-quality products, which makes it an interesting target for meat fraud. The aim of the study was to develop a set of microsatellite markers suitable for precise genetic traceability of the meat originating from this breed. Initially, 23 microsatellite markers were selected and grouped into three multiplex reactions for the genetic characterization of the seven breeds included in the study; subsequently, a set of eight microsatellite markers for traceability of CS pig was created based on the match probability value. The results indicated that when eight highly polymorphic loci were combined, the chance of finding identical genotype in two random individuals was about three in ten million (10−7). This provided the basis for establishing a reliable genetic traceability system for meat originating from CS pigs.

Two new defatted beef reference materials, CAAS-1801 and CAAS-1802, for carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratio measurements.

Isotope reference materials are essential to enable reliable and comparable isotope data across multiple laboratories. Although many reference materials already exist, the best reference materials should mimic the unknown samples, so new reference materials continue to evolve with the development of isotope research in new product areas. Two defatted beef reference materials, CAAS-1801 and CAAS-1802, with substantially different δ13 C values (due to difference in dietary intake), have been prepared as reference materials for stable C and N isotope analysis of meat tissue. Homogeneity, and short- and long-term stability tests of these reference materials have been performed. The δ13 C and δ15 N values of both materials were measured for two-point isotopic normalization against international reference materials by elemental analyzer/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/IRMS). A total of nine international laboratories were selected for the joint evaluation. Cochran statistical analysis yielded the values reported here. The defatted beef reference material CAAS-1801 from Heilongjiang province has a δ13 C value of -13.58 ± 0.56‰ relative to VPDB and a δ15 N value of 4.23 ± 0.56‰ relative to N2 in air. The defatted beef reference material CAAS-1802 from Sichuan province has a δ13 C value of -25.03 ± 0.45‰ and a δ15 N value of 4.36 ± 0.69‰. The two defatted beef reference materials were found to be isotopically stable across a range of ambient temperatures, and to have low volatility and toxicity, which enables them to be useful as stable isotope reference materials in the field of authentication and traceability of meat.

The employment of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics techniques for traceability and authentication of meat and meat products.

Meat-based food such as meatball and sausages are important sources of protein needed for the human body. Due to different prices, some unethical producers try to adulterate high-price meat such as beef with lower priced meat like pork and rat meat to gain economical profits, therefore, reliable and fast analytical techniques should be developed, validated, and applied for meat traceability and authenticity. Some instrumental techniques have been applied for the detection of meat adulteration, mainly relied on DNA and protein using polymerase chain reaction and chromatographic methods, respectively. But, this method is time-consuming, needs a sophisticated instrument, involves complex sample preparation which make the method is not suitable for routine analysis. As a consequence, a simpler method based on spectroscopic principles should be continuously developed. Food samples are sometimes complex which resulted in complex chemical responses. Fortunately, a statistical method called with chemometrics could solve the problems related to complex chemical data. This mini-review highlights the application of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with numerous chemometrics techniques for authenticity and traceability of meat and meat-based products.

The acceptance of blockchain technology in meat traceability and transparency

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate meat traceability by outlining the different perspectives and opinions of meat supply chain stakeholders (SCSs); it also evaluates potential of acceptance of blockchain technology (BCT) as a viable transparency and traceability system (TTS). Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire survey of 141 consumers reveals their opinions about TTSs. In addition, semi-structured interviews with seven retail managers, four government officials and one blockchain service provider (Project Provenance Ltd) provide expert insights. Findings The results demonstrate that consumers are overwhelmed by the amount and complexity of certification labels. As a TTS, BCT implementation appears to have significant positive influences on consumers’ purchasing decisions, mediated by consumers’ quality perceptions. This study reveals the discordant perspectives of different stakeholders with regard to the importance of a BCT-based TTS. Originality/value This study investigates current TTSs and certification labels, and probes customer perception of a potential BCT-based solution for meat traceability. Changes to supply chains’ mentality and the active establishment of trust in BCT applications are needed. Firms should take both holistic and altruistic views to deal with the challenges of TTSs in the meat supply chain. The adoption of BCT, in combination with DNA coding, seems promising as a solution to many of the issues that currently plague TTSs.