Identification of Mislabeling Some Meat Products Sold on the Iran Market Using PCR-RFLP

Background: Mislabeling of meat products due to their high market values is a food fraud, which can result in economic deception. Currently, a little information on mislabeling is available in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a market survey on a variety of meat products sold in Iran to investigate mislabeling. Methods: A total of 31 meat product samples were purchased from local retailers including supermarkets and local butchers. These samples included salami (n = 6), hamburger (n = 15) and minced meat (n = 10). Labels claimed that the products only contained beef. DNA was extracted from samples and tested using PCR-RFLP for the presence of chicken traces. Results: Of the 31 meat products, 23 included mislabeling, which substituted low-cost chicken for costly beef. Results showed that six of six salami (100%), nine of 15 hamburger (60%) and eight of ten minced meat (80%) contained chicken meat not listed in ingredient labels. Conclusion: Overall, results from the current study greatly warn consumers on potential economic deception occurring in meat products in Iran. This study helps meat industries to address potentially fraudulent activities and improve sanitary techniques during meat processes.