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Species Identification

DNA‑based real‑time PCR to identify animal and plant species in food and feed – supporting authentication, and fraud detection.

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Gloved hand presenting next generation sequencing flow cell. Advanced medical device analyzes DNA strands within sample tray.

DNA‑Based Species Verification –
From Raw Material to Finished Product

Scientist holding Petri dish with meat sample in laboratory.

Real‑time PCR enables unambiguous identification of animal and plant species by detecting short, species‑specific DNA fragments – independent of processing, heating, mincing or mixing. The method delivers clear qualitative or semi‑quantitative results and works across raw, cooked, canned, dried and highly processed matrices.

All assays are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited (DAkkS, UKAS) and support meat authentication, fish fraud detection and religious dietary verification across diverse food and feed supply chains.

Parameter Portfolio

Species‑specific real‑time PCR panels for animal and plant DNA – covering meat, fish, crustaceans and botanicals across raw, cooked and processed matrices.

Meat Species

Authentication of raw and processed meat products, mixed matrices and minced preparations.

Method: Species‑specific and group specific real‑time PCR

Common analytes: Beef, pork, poultry, turkey, horse, lamb, goat.

Fish Species

Verification of high‑value species, fraud detection and substitution control in fresh and processed products.

Method: Species‑specific and group-specific real‑time PCR.

Common analytes: Salmon, tuna.

Crustaceans & Molluscs

Group determination in fresh, frozen and processed seafood, relevant for labelling and allergen context.

Method: Group‑specific real‑time PCR.

Common analytes: Crustanceans, mollusks.

Plant Species

Botanical authentication of herbs, spices, teas and plant‑derived ingredients.

Method: Species‑specific real‑time PCR

Common analytes: Apricot, faba bean, chickpea, wild almond.

Analytical Method

Real-time PCR enables precise species identification across raw, processed and complex matrices in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures.
Real-Time PCR

Precise DNA Detection for Reliable Product Testing

Detection and quantification of specific DNA sequences with high sensitivity and reproducibility. Fluorescent signals are monitored during amplification, enabling reliable results across raw and processed samples.
 

Suitable for: Species identification, authenticity testing and complex or highly processed matrices.

Analytical Interpretation

DNA-based species identification ensures reliable authenticity testing
across raw and processed food products.
Sample piece of raw meat in a petri dish.

Meat Species Identification

Detection of declared and undeclared animal species in raw and processed meat products using PCR-based methods.

Typical applications: Adulteration detection, label verification, quality control.

Sample piece of raw fish in a petri dish.

Fish Species Identification

Identification of fish species to support product authenticity and prevent substitution.
 

Typical applications: Species confirmation, fraud detection, supply chain verification.

Sample of plant powder in a petri dish.

Plant & Botanical Identification

DNA-based identification of plant species in food ingredients and composite products.
 

Typical applications: Ingredient verification, detection of undeclared plant components.

Sample of composite food in a petri dish.

Processed & Composite Products

Reliable species detection in complex and highly processed matrices using PCR-based methods.
 

Typical applications: Ready meals, sausages & mixed products, processed food matrices.

Illustration Law

Regulatory Framework

Species identification supports compliance with Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information, Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 on traceability and fraud prevention, and sector‑specific requirements for meat, fish, crustaceans and botanical ingredients under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

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Related Analytics

A rapeseed flower is shown against a blurred rapeseed field background.

GMO Testing

Crop species confirmation (soy, maize, rapeseed, rice) is a prerequisite for event-specific GMO quantification. Shared DNA extraction enables efficient combined species + GMO programs.

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A close-up view of assorted nuts and seeds.

Nutritional Analysis

Species composition directly affects nutritional profiles and labelling accuracy. Protein content, fatty acid composition and amino acid profiles differ between species – combine species verification with nutritional testing.

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