South Asian Research Journal of Biology and Applied Biosciences (SARJBAB)
Volume-8 | Issue-06
Original Research Article
DNA-Based Identification of the Origin of Red Meat Products: A Case Study of Sucuk in Ödemiş, İzmir, Türkiye
Mehmet Çaylalı, Mehmet Oğuz Öztürk
Published : Nov. 7, 2026
Abstract
Determining the species origin of meat and meat products is important for protecting consumers. Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are powerful techniques developed to detect and quantify adulterants in meat species. In this study, it was aimed to determine the origins of three red meat products (sucuk) purchased from butchers in Ödemiş (İzmir, Türkiye) on August 13, 2024, using the TaqMan q-PCR method. DNA isolation of the samples was performed using the Eurofins GeneSpin DNA Isolation Kit (Freiburg, Germany). The research samples were analyzed separately for species origin concerning cattle, sheep, and chicken using species-specific primer and probe sets from the same company and the TaqMan q-PCR method. As a result of the study, it was determined that the examined meat products were of cattle and sheep origin. However, all samples tested negative for chicken-specific analyses. The Cycle threshold (Ct) mean values for cattle and sheep species were found to be 13.25 and 23.50, respectively. The study results confirmed that the species origins of the meat products in Ödemiş (İzmir, Turkey) were consistent with the information stated on their labels. Additionally, within the scope of protecting public health, it is recommended that local authorities conduct broader-scale research and inspections on businesses engaged in meat production.