Evaluation of commercial meat product food label conformity using multiplex PCR assay

This study evaluated the authenticity of pre-packaged processed beef products using multiplex PCR (mPCR) analysis on mtDNA. A total of 48 commercial beef products, including meatballs, burgers, corned beef, smoked beef, and sausages, were examined. They were categorized into three price groups: low (<5 USD/kg), medium (5–10 USD/kg), and high (>10 USD/kg). The DNA genome was extracted and used to amplify mtDNA 12S rRNA to identify bovine, porcine, dog, and rat ingredients, as well as mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) to detect bovine, chicken, and porcine ingredients. The results showed that all samples contained bovine DNA (155 bp), based on mPCR 12S rRNA. Moreover, chicken DNA was detected in 33 beef products (596 bp) based on mPCR COI. Mislabeling was detected in 56.25% of beef products. In addition, chicken DNA was detected in all three price groups. In conclusion, some products did not comply with the label composition labeling, and higher prices did not guarantee beef product originality.