Development of Automated Animal Species Identification for Halal Foods Using Multiplex PCR and Microchip Electrophoresis

Introduction

Ensuring food safety and traceability requires accurate identification of food ingredients and animal species. In processed meat products and halal foods, verification of meat species and detection of pork contamination are essential for quality control. PCR-based DNA analysis is widely used for this purpose; however, conventional agarose gel electrophoresis relies on subjective visual interpretation of band patterns. The MultiNA II microchip electrophoresis system automates DNA fragment analysis and enables digital data acquisition with fingerprinting-based pattern identification. In this study, animal species identification was performed for halal-certified and processed foods, and the detection sensitivity for pork contamination was evaluated

September 8, 2026 GMT