Detection of porcine DNA in Korean processed foods by real-time PCR

In this study, a commercial DNA extraction kit and a real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) kit were applied to detect porcine DNA in Korean processed foods. The specificity, sensitivity, applicability and inter-laboratory reproducibility were evaluated for analytical method validation. We observed no false-positive or false-negative results in the assay, confirming its specificity. The sensitivity of the real-time PCR was expressed as the limit of detection (LOD), which was determined to be 0.005 ng in 35 cycles. In the applicability test, PCR was performed on 12 types of food matrices, and there were no inhibitor effects. An interlaboratory comparison showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between the results from two laboratories. We analysed 131 samples to determine the presence of porcine DNA for halal certification: 129 samples were negative, and porcine DNA was detected in one sample each of instant noodles and dumpling. The real-time PCR applied in this study is a reliable analytical method to detect porcine DNA in food and can be used easily, quickly and routinely in food facilities.

Automated summary

In this study, a commercial DNA extraction kit and a real-time PCR kit were used to detect porcine DNA in Korean processed foods. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, applicability, and inter-laboratory reproducibility. The results showed that the method was specific and sensitive with no false-positive or false-negative results. It was also applicable to various food matrices and showed consistent results between different laboratories. The study concluded that the real-time PCR is a reliable method to detect porcine DNA in food and can be easily and routinely used in food facilities.