Eurofins Food Testing UK provides DNA-based meat species testing to verify meat authenticity in raw and processed products and detect traces of species DNA in environmental swabs. This service helps ensure that products are labelled accurately and meet applicable UK and EU food law requirements.
We use advanced molecular biology techniques such as species-specific PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect the presence of one or more species within a sample. Testing can be performed on a wide range of matrices, from raw meat to cooked, cured, or composite products and environmental surface swabs. Methods are also available for highly processed meats where DNA may be degraded.
Applications of meat species testing
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Verify that meat products match declared species on product labelling
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Detect substitution with undeclared or lower-value meat species
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Confirm the absence of species not permitted in certain markets
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Support brand protection and supply chain due diligence
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Monitor authenticity in both domestic and imported meat products
- Provide cleaning verification for production environments
Meat species testing using DNA analysis
DNA is extracted from the sample, and target DNA is amplified by RT-PCR using species-specific primers and probes. This enables high-specificity detection, even in processed products. Eurofins offers ISO 17025 accredited methods for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis to determine which species are present.
| Species |
LOD |
Species |
LOD |
Species |
LOD |
| Beef |
0.1% |
Chicken |
0.1% |
Sheep |
0.1% |
| Pork |
0.1% |
Turkey |
0.1% |
Goat |
0.1% |
| Horse |
0.1% |
Duck |
0.1% |
Fallow Deer |
1.0% |
Immunological methods such as ELISA can be used for screening, but care must be taken due to potential cross-reactivity and detection limits that may not be suitable for low levels.
With rapid turnarounds and large capacity, we are here to support your business.
Supporting meat-free, Kosher, and Halal industries
We can screen for mammalian, bird, and fish DNA to help support meat-free claims, alongside ELISA testing for egg, milk proteins, crustacean, and mollusc allergens. A dedicated screen for pig, horse, and donkey DNA is also available to support Halal compliance programmes.
Advantages of using Eurofins' meat species testing
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High sensitivity; Detects low levels of undeclared meat species
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Versatility; Suitable for raw, cooked, cured, and mixed-ingredient products
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Supports compliance; Helps demonstrate alignment with UK/EU food authenticity and labelling requirements
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Customisable testing; Target a single species or screen for multiple species in one analysis
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Proactive risk management; Reduce the risk of food fraud and mislabelling in supply chains
Advantages of using the Eurofins network
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Global expertise, local service; Access to our network of authenticity testing laboratories
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Advanced facilities; Accredited laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art molecular biology platforms
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Integrated services; Combine meat species testing with chemical, microbiological, and isotopic analysis for comprehensive authenticity checks
- Regulatory alignment; methods developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice
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Proven track record
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Consultancy support
Contact us
Contact Eurofins Food Testing UK to access our full range of authenticity testing and consultancy services by submitting an enquiry or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740
