Background

In the modern globalized food market, ensuring product authenticity is a fundamental pillar of Consumer Protection. Mislabeling and food fraud violate Religious and Ethical Food Requirements for significant global populations. Establishing robust Forensic Food Authentication protocols is essential to verify "pork-free" claims and protect the rights of consumers adhering to specific dietary standards. This study addresses these challenges by implementing and validating a high-sensitivity molecular framework to detect trace porcine contaminants in complex food matrices.

Methods

Following forensic validation guidelines, DNA was extracted from diverse samples—ranging from raw meats to highly processed products like gelatin and marshmallows—using the SureFood® PREP Basic system. Species-specific identification and quantification were performed via Real-Time PCR (qPCR) targeting the mitochondrial D-loop region using the RapidFinder™ Pork ID system. The study rigorously evaluated the Limit of Detection (LOD), specificity, and reproducibility to determine the framework's reliability for forensic evidentiary purposes.

Results

The validated forensic protocol demonstrated exceptional sensitivity, achieving an LOD of 0.00001% (w/w) in meat mixtures. Despite the significant DNA degradation typical in processed matrices, the system successfully detected porcine DNA at 1% in pure gelatin and 10% in confectionery products. The assays showed 100% reproducibility and zero cross-reactivity with non-target species (bovine, ovine, and fish), confirming its high specificity for forensic authentication.

Conclusion

This research provides a validated Forensic Food Authentication approach that supports regulatory bodies in enforcing transparency and food integrity. By confirming ultra-trace level detection (0.00001%), this study empowers authorities to uphold Consumer Protection and respect the Ethical Food Requirements of diverse communities, ensuring that food labels remain a truthful representation of product composition in international trade.

Authors

• Mohammed Albujja (Naif Arab University For Security Sciences, Saudi Arabia)
• Abdulrahman AlOshen (Naif Arab University For Security Sciences, Saudi Arabia)