Relating target fish DNA concentration to community composition analysis in freshwater fish via metabarcoding.

Metabarcoding has been widely accepted as a useful tool for biodiversity assessment based on eDNA. The method allows for the detection of entire groups of organisms in a single sample, making it particularly applicable in aquatic habitats. The high sensitivity of the molecular approaches is especially beneficial in detecting elusive and rare fish species, improving biodiversity assessments.

A Large-Scale Outbreak of Trichinellosis from Infected Wild Boar Meat in Croatia and the Role of Real-Time PCR Assays in Confirming the Source of the Disease.

Background: Trichinellosis in Croatia posed a significant health concern during the 1990s, followed by a notable improvement in the epidemiological situation. However, in 2017, there was a resurgence, with 37 recorded cases in 3 outbreaks and 3 sporadic cases. The source of this epidemic was homemade meat products derived from wild boar meat, leading to 26 infections.

Development of a DNA Metabarcoding Method for the Identification of Insects in Food.

Insects have the potential to become an efficient and reliable food source for humans in the future and could contribute to solving problems with the current food chain. Analytical methods to verify the authenticity of foods are essential for consumer acceptance. We present a DNA metabarcoding method that enables the identification and differentiation of insects in food.

Interlaboratory Validation of a DNA Metabarcoding Assay for Mammalian and Poultry Species to Detect Food Adulteration.

Meat species authentication in food is most commonly based on the detection of genetic variations. Official food control laboratories frequently apply single and multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and/or DNA arrays. However, in the near future, DNA metabarcoding, the generation of PCR products for DNA barcodes, followed by massively parallel sequencing by next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, could be an attractive alternative.

Identification of Mammalian and Poultry Species in Food and Pet Food Samples Using 16S rDNA Metabarcoding.

The substitution of more appreciated animal species by animal species of lower commercial value is a common type of meat product adulteration. DNA metabarcoding, the combination of DNA barcoding with next-generation sequencing (NGS), plays an increasing role in food authentication. In the present study, we investigated the applicability of a DNA metabarcoding method for routine analysis of mammalian and poultry species in food and pet food products.

Real-Time PCR Assay for the Detection and Quantification of Roe Deer to Detect Food Adulteration-Interlaboratory Validation Involving Laboratories in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Game meat products are particularly prone to be adulterated by replacing game meat with cheaper meat species. Recently, we have presented a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the identification and quantification of roe deer in food. Quantification of the roe deer content in % (/) was achieved relatively by subjecting the DNA isolates to a reference real-time PCR assay in addition to the real-time PCR assay for roe deer.

Design of Mismatch Primers to Identify and Differentiate Closely Related (Sub)Species: Application to the Authentication of Meat Products.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are powerful molecular markers for the identification and differentiation of closely related organisms. A variety of methods can be used to determine the allele that is present at a specific locus in the genome, including real-time PCR by using an allele-specific primer. In order to increase the selectivity for the target allele, deliberate mismatch bases at the 3' end of the allele-specific primer may be introduced.

Development and validation of a real-time PCR assay to detect Cannabis sativa in food.

Regarding the prospective investigation of food authenticity and adulteration the aim of the present study was the development and validation of a real-time PCR assay to identify hemp (Cannabis sativa) which has gained increasing importance as a valuable food ingredient. The assay targets a specific spacer DNA sequence in Cannabis sativa chloroplasts and detects 1.5 pg hemp DNA, which is equivalent to 18 copies/µL.

Applicability of a duplex and four singleplex real-time PCR assays for the qualitative and quantitative determination of wild boar and domestic pig meat in processed food products.

Appropriate analytical methods are needed for the detection of food authentication. We investigated the applicability of a duplex real-time PCR assay targeting chromosome 1 and two singleplex real-time PCR assays targeting chromosome 9, both published recently, for the qualitative and quantitative determination of wild boar and domestic pig in processed food products. In addition, two singleplex real-time PCR assays targeting chromosome 7 were tested for their suitability to differentiate the two subspecies.

Differentiation between wild boar and domestic pig in food by targeting two gene loci by real-time PCR.

Studies indicate that many meat products are not authentic, most frequently because the meat species differ from those given on the food labels. At present, DNA based methods play the most important role in meat species authentication. Discrimination of wild boar and domestic pig meat in food is challenging because it is differentiation on the subspecies level.

Tetraplex real-time PCR assay for the simultaneous identification and quantification of roe deer, red deer, fallow deer and sika deer for deer meat authentication.

Analytical methods are needed for the identification and quantification of meat species to detect food adulteration. Since game meat is more expensive than meat from domesticated animal species, it is a potential target for adulteration. We present a tetraplex real-time PCR assay that allows the simultaneous determination of the content of roe deer, red deer, fallow deer and sika deer.

Sika deer (Cervus nippon)-specific real-time PCR method to detect fraudulent labelling of meat and meat products.

Since game meat is more valuable and expensive than meat from domesticated animal species it is a potential target for adulteration. Analytical methods must allow the identification and quantification of meat species to be applicable for the detection of fraudulent labelling. We developed a real-time PCR assay for the authentication of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and products thereof.

Levels of estragole in fennel teas marketed in Austria and assessment of dietary exposure.

Levels of estragole in fennel teas (n = 42) on the Austrian market and the associated dietary exposure were assessed in this study. The estimated daily exposure from consumption of fennel teas ranged from 0.25 to 5.