A research note:: Detection of adulteration in processed traditional meat products

Nondeclared protein addition is one of the most frequent adulterations used in meat products. Meat substitution with an unspecified specie, usually of less quality, is a fraudulent act in the industry and could have economic and health repercussions. In this study, we used an immunodiffusion assay in agar gel to identify, bovine, porcine, equine and avian species in two slightly processed meat products, uncooked commercial hamburger and Mexican sausage (chorizo). Analysis of 40 samples from local food stores was performed. Undeclared equine specie was detected in 9 of the 23 of the hamburger meat samples. In Mexican sausage undeclared equine and porcine specie were also found in 5 of the 17 samples. These results showed violations in practices of the regional meat industry. It is suggested that regulatory agencies institute programs to ensure that meat products are properly labeled to protect consumers.