Fraud identification in fishmeal using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Abstract

Fishmeal is an important commercial product that is obtained by processing the bones and whole fish. It can be of great importance to enhance the feeding during the fattening of animals in poultry and livestock. Detection of adulteration in fishmeal with other meats is important for livestock and poultry production, and their health. The aim of this study was to identify fraud and adulteration in fishmeal products using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique in Iran. Fishmeal samples of 124 were collected from manufacturers and examined for presence of poultry and ruminants meats. Total DNA was extracted from fishmeal samples and PCR was performed for gene amplification of meat species. Out of 124 fishmeal products examined 9 (7.25%), 4 (3.22%) and 16 (12.9%) samples contaminated with bovine, sheep and chicken, respectively. These findings showed few adulterations in used fishmeal in Iran. The PCR is an effective and rapid technique with high accuracy that can be used to detect and prevent fishmeal adulterations. © 2011 Academic Journal.