Scientists at the University of Aberdeen have created a powerful new tool called MEAT-iCode that can quickly and accurately identify meat ingredients even in cooked and processed foods. The system is described as “highly sensitive, reliable, and robust,” making it a major step forward in detecting food fraud.
How the System Works
MEAT-iCode uses proteomic testing, combined with a specialised database, to identify several meat species at the same time from a single food sample. It works by detecting peptides using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) and matching them to a unique database to determine the type and amount of meat present. The system is fast, more efficient than DNA based tests, and can detect meat content as low as 0.5% of a product. Researchers also showed that MEAT-iCode can identify not just species, but even specific breeds, such as Aberdeen Angus beef.
Findings From Initial Product Testing
Researchers at the Rowett Institute tested 19 shop-bought meat products. Most samples (17) matched their labels. However, two items showed major problems:
- One kebab advertised as containing 14% lamb actually had no lamb at all.
- Another product labeled as 60% lamb and 20% chicken was found to contain twice as much chicken as lamb.
These findings highlight how common—and concerning—mislabelled meat can be.
Food Fraud: A Growing Challenge
Food fraud costs the UK an estimated £2 billion every year and shakes consumer trust, especially in the meat industry. Fraud can harm honest producers, mislead buyers, and threaten safety when undeclared ingredients or allergens slip into products.
The research team believes the technology could soon be adapted to detect allergens like nuts, dairy, or fish, making it a valuable tool for overall food safety. They also plan to expand the database beyond meat, which could help protect other food sectors from fraud.
What the Researchers Say
Dr. Renata Garbellini Duft, who led the project in Professor Jules Griffin’s lab, said that food fraud in meat products is a growing concern, and consumers deserve to know exactly what they are eating. She explained that MEAT-iCode offers a highly accurate way to verify meat contents, helping protect consumers and support trustworthy suppliers.
Professor Griffin added that food fraud is becoming more complex as global supply chains grow. He said MEAT-iCode gives authorities a valuable tool to prevent illegal or accidental adulteration in the food system.
Support From Food Standards Scotland
The research team worked closely with Food Standards Scotland, which is exploring how MEAT-iCode can be used in national food fraud investigations. Kasia Kazimierczak, Senior Scientific Advisor at the agency, said the tool can help protect product integrity and ensure the accuracy of food labels. By uncovering undeclared ingredients, MEAT-iCode can boost consumer confidence and protect reliable food producers.
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