The use of DNA barcoding in the forensic identification of animal species in processed meat products from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Abstract

The price of meat products in South Africa are exceptionally high, to the extent that these products have been categorized as a luxury for many South Africans. The estimated price of white meat per kg is R115,00 while the price of red meat can average at R190,00 per kg, this makes processed meat products an easy target for meat adulteration and substitution. This study aimed to use DNA barcoding to determine if samples collected from local meat markets around eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal have been subject to food fraud by means of meat adulteration and mislabelling. Universal primers for the amplification of the mitochondrial gene, Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COI) coupled with bioinformatic analyses using Barcode Of Life Database was utilized in this study. This study has determined that 62% of the samples were indeed adulterated, lamb samples were reportedly substituted with mainly beef(64%), however species of duiker(12%), rat(1%), frog (1%) and even chimpanzee(2%) were also identified in the processed meat products. Chicken samples indicated substitution with fish, crab and even beef. Beef samples however reported the least substituted with only 1 samples showing substitution of beef to fish. Consumers have become increasingly aware of what they are consuming and for this reason this study serves to bring awareness to food fraud by means of meat adulteration and mislabelling. This study has provided valid information on the meat adulteration that is occurring in many local meat markets around Ethekwini, together with violations of the regulations pertaining to consumer protection and food labelling. The area of research is still in the novel stages in South Africa, for this reason it is recommended continued research is conducted not only looking at processed meat products but also fish products and even game meat available throughout South Africa.