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One of the main goals of food safety measures is to increase consumer confidence in food in general, and meat in particular, and therefore consumers are provided with information about the quality and safety of meat through declaration. Consumer confidence and food safety have become central issues in the food chain. Recent developments in labelling, traceability and quality assurance schemes offer a large amount of information available to the consumer. Declaring is today one of the most reliable ways of informing consumers about food quality. For the purposes of this study, data were collected by surveying 1,000 consumers from the Banja Luka and Gradiška areas. The results of this survey show that the majority of consumers (98.1%) believe that meat should have a declaration and that the statistically most important (p<0.05) information on the declaration is the expiration date (75.8% of responses) compared to other information (nutritional value, method of production, country of origin). The way the meat is packaged is also important for consumers (45.3% of responses). Also, the statistical significantly different answers (p<0.05) were given related to the trust in information about the safety/quality of meat obtained in different ways (butcher, seller, relative, friend, cook). The consumers showed that they mostly believe to information about the safety/quality of meat received from doctors/nutritionists (53.1%), and most often have a neutral attitude towards information received from consumer protection associations (41.9%). It is not sufficiently clarified what type of information consumers are most looking for on declarations, especially when it comes to meat and meat products. Because of that, continuous examination of consumers is needed, including sociological and economic factors, what motivates them to buy, what quality characteristics they require and what sources of information they believe the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, thirteen states have passed laws banning the use of traditional meat terminology on the labels of alternative meat products, such as plant-based burgers or the forthcoming cell-based meat products. But because they ban commercial speech, these laws are at risk of violating the First Amendment, and also raise issues relating to federal preemption. This Note first catalogues and analyzes the state bans, drawing two important distinctions among them: (1) whether they ban labels for only cell-based products or also plant-based products; and (2) whether they ban all uses of traditional meat terminology or only labels lacking qualification, such as "vegan" or "meatless." It then explores the ramifications of those distinctions under both a First Amendment analysis and also under the preemption regimes of FDA and USDA. In doing so, this Note provides a useful case study for considering how terminology evolves as new technology emerges and how the government's treatment of that terminology should evolve along with it--all the while, balancing the tension between protecting consumers from misleading information, protecting free speech, and promoting innovation in the burgeoning alternative meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on notifications to the Directive of the European Union 2015/1535 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical regulations and of rules on Information Society services. Topics covered include end of standstill period for Lower Austrian Animal Breeding Act 2020 and order on the labelling, registration and movement of bovine animals, pigs sheep or goats.

Abstract Animal welfare and environmental impacts have been emphasized in the sustainable production of livestock. Labels are useful tools for clearly providing such attribute information to consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate how human values influence consumer segments for beef with information on animal welfare and environmentally friendly production. Using a choice experiment, we examined whether animal welfare and environmentally friendly labels, country of origin and price impact consumer choice. As results, five heterogeneous consumer classes were identified using a latent class model: label conscious , domestic beef preferring , price conscious , animal welfare preferring and not interested in production method. Almost 90% of consumers were interested in and willing to pay for beef with animal welfare or environmentally friendly label. The classes with significant preferences for such labeled beef were affected by “ openness to change ”, “ self-enhancement ” and “ security ”. Improving consumer attitudes and strengthening consumer perception towards labeled beef by marketers and policy makers will be required. Highlights • The relations between human values and consumer preferences for beef were analyzed. • Preferences for animal welfare and environmentally friendly labels were quantified. • Five heterogeneous consumer segments were influenced by certain human values. • The value “Security” positively affected the choice of labeled beef in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meat is an important source of foodborne infections. Safe food-handling could lower the number of infections. Since 2001, a label containing safe food-handling instructions is required on the retail packages of raw poultry in the Netherlands. The aim was to determine the impact of this label on risk perception and food-handling behavior. A random sample of 1235 adults from a representative Internet panel received an e-mail linking to the study questionnaire. Information was gathered about knowledge of safe food-handling regarding poultry, their current food-handling behavior and intention to change after reading the label, and influencing factors. Median age of the 514 respondents was 51 years (18–87 years), and 53.9% was male. Seventy-nine respondents (15.4%) had never read the label. Respondents of households with person(s) aged 65 years or older, with safe food-handling practices, and who judge foodborne infections as severe were more prone to have read the label; respondents who find it a pity to throw away chicken after the expiration date were less likely to have read the label. After reading the label during the survey, the intention to change behavior did not differ between the readers and previous non-readers. A label is a relatively easy and reasonable way of informing and educating consumers about safe food-handling. The majority of the respondents had read the label on poultry meat and scored it as important, usefull and reassuring. Therefore, investigating the feasibility and possible benefits of a similar label on other meat products could be worthwile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer perspectives of beef quality are complex, leading to a market that is increasingly differentiating. Thus, ongoing monitoring and assessment of changes in consumer perspectives is essential to identify changing market conditions. Often only credence and search characteristics are evaluated in consumer studies; therefore the object of the present study is to examine consumer preferences and perceptions towards beef steaks, also including experience characteristics, using a mixed methods approach. For this reason, 55 consumers participated in an experiment in Germany, including a sensory acceptance test, stated willingness to pay, and choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA). Different quality characteristics were included, but a focus on the quality labels of 'dry aged beef', 'Block House beef', and 'Angus beef' was predominant throughout the experiment with the results showing that quality labels significantly increased overall liking as well as the stated willingness to pay. Quality labels were also the one of the most important characteristics in the conjoint analysis, after origin and price. The results of all applied methods are comparable for the characteristic quality label. The combination of sensory acceptance test and CBCA were additionally able to evaluate all three kinds of beef quality characteristics, which could not be evaluated together only using a single method. This suggests that a mixture of methods should be used to gain better knowledge on the true behavior of beef consumers. Experience and credence characteristics, including beef quality labels, present opportunities for future research as well as the potential for determining product and market differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this contribution is to approximate Muslims' preferences towards selected attributes of halal meat. A comprehensive literature review on the influence of religion was undertaken with special emphasis on Muslims, a significant and growing community in Austria. An empirical study was conducted to estimate part-worth utilities. In particular, the attributes of halal label, price, slaughtering method, and country of origin were included in the empirical design. Based on the literature review, a conjoint experiment model was developed to approximate the importance of selected attributes and attribute levels. The methodological approach followed the so-called limit conjoint analysis. With this method, a no-choice option is included in the experimental design, meaning it comes closer to real shopping behaviour. A sample from the Austrian Muslim community was selected. Data collection within this community was demanding, mainly because of cultural aspects. The results of the conjoint experiment show that the most important attribute is the halal label. This clearly demonstrates the significance of correct and trustworthy labelling of halal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We estimate the implicit prices consumers are willing to pay for country of origin labels, using hedonic price methods and panel data for meat and meat products in the United Kingdom. Our results show that consumers place significant value on origin information across fresh and processed meat products, especially since the horsemeat incident in 2013. The findings also suggest that retailers have increased the use of voluntary labelling of processed meat products since the incident. Hence, further extension of existing mandatory labelling requirements to processed meat products may not be required at least in the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, slaughter without stunning is allowed for religious slaughter to obtain halal and kosher meat. Especially in the case of Jewish slaughtering, cuts which are not deemed as kosher are sold to regular market without any specific labelling. This survey, conducted in Tuscany in 2016, aimed to quantify the carcasses rejected in relation to the type of religious slaughter. 656 bovines were slaughtered without stunning: 538 (82%) for halal and 118 (18%) for kosher. All carcasses slaughtered by the Islamic procedure (dhabiha) were considered halal, while 77.1% of carcasses slaughtered by the Jewish procedure (shechita) did not pass the approval. Carcasses were rejected after chest cavity inspection (50%) and after the lungs control (50%). This study provides an important insight in this field and postulates how to amalgamate the concepts of freedom of religion, as enshrined by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, with consumer rights and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer trust in the food industry is heavily reliant upon accurate labelling of meat products. As such, methods, which can verify whether meat is correctly labelled are of great value to producers, retailers, and consumers. This paper illustrates two approaches to classify between, fresh and frozen thawed, and in a novel manner matured and matured frozen-thawed, as well as fresh and matured beef using the 500–1010 nm waveband, captured using hyperspectral imaging, and CIELAB measurements. The results show successful classification based upon CIELAB between 1) fresh and frozen-thawed (CCR = 0.93), and 2) fresh and matured (CCR = 0.92). With successful classification between matured and matured frozen-thawed beef using the entire spectral range (CCR = 1.00). The performance of reduced spectral models is also investigated. Overall it was found that CIELAB co-ordinates can be used for successful classification for all comparisons except between matured and matured frozen-thawed. Biochemical and physical changes of the meat are thoroughly discussed for each condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Authenticating a meat product according to the identity standard of the product and to its labeling means protect the consumers to a possible presence of meat from unknown and/or undesired species. This is a factor of paramount importance as it involves economic, public health and religious beliefs, such as in countries where the consumption of swine and its derivatives is forbidden. The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection limit of the PCR technique for the identification of swine and poultry species in meat products under different processing conditions. The research was developed based on mitochondrial DNA and oligonucleotide primers for amplification of 422 bp for poultry and 227 bp for swine. The sensitivity of the technique was evaluated with raw, cooked and autoclaved samples, which were intentionally adulterated at concentrations of 0%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 1%, 5% and 10%. A detection limit of up to 0.1% was found for samples of poultry adulterated with swine fat. However, the method was more accurate for samples with more than 5% intentional contamination. From the analyses that were performed it can be concluded that PCR is an effective tool that is sufficiently specific and sensitive for the identification of animal species in processed meat products, and it is therefore a viable alternative for routine analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mislabeling, contamination, and economic adulteration of meat products with undeclared pork tissues are illegal under regulations promulgated by numerous regulatory agencies. Nonetheless, analysis of the European meat industry has revealed pervasive meat adulteration, necessitating more extensive application of meat authentication testing. As existing methods for meat speciation require specialized equipment and/or training, we developed a detection system based on a lateral flow device (LFD) assay format capable of rapidly (~ 35 min) identifying porcine residues derived from raw meat, cooked meat, and gelatin down to 0.01%, 1.0%, and 2.5% contamination, respectively. Specificity analysis revealed no cross-reactivity with meat derived from chicken, turkey, horse, beef, lamb, or goat. Comparison with a commercial ELISA kit and PCR method revealed similar if not improved sensitivity, with the added feature that the LFD-based system required considerably less time to perform. Accordingly, this test system should aid the food industry and food control authorities in monitoring for adulteration with pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nelore is the major beef cattle breed in Brazil with more than 130 million heads. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are often used to associate markers and genomic regions to growth and meat quality traits that can be used to assist selection programs. An alternative methodology to traditional GWAS that involves the construction of gene network interactions, derived from results of several GWAS is the AWM (Association Weight Matrices)/PCIT (Partial Correlation and Information Theory). With the aim of evaluating the genetic architecture of Brazilian Nelore cattle, we used high-density SNP genotyping data (~770,000 SNP) from 780 Nelore animals comprising 34 half-sibling families derived from highly disseminated and unrelated sires from across Brazil. The AWM/PCIT methodology was employed to evaluate the genes that participate in a series of eight phenotypes related to growth and meat quality obtained from this Nelore sample. Results: Our results indicate a lack of structuring between the individuals studied since principal component analyses were not able to differentiate families by its sires or by its ancestral lineages. The application of the AWM/PCIT methodology revealed a trio of transcription factors (comprising VDR, LHX9 and ZEB1) which in combination connected 66 genes through 359 edges and whose biological functions were inspected, some revealing to participate in biological growth processes in literature searches. Conclusions: The diversity of the Nelore sample studied is not high enough to differentiate among families neither by sires nor by using the available ancestral lineage information. The gene networks constructed from the AWM/PCIT methodology were a useful alternative in characterizing genes and gene networks that were allegedly influential in growth and meat quality traits in Nelore cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The technology involving the use of water-in-oil-in-water double emulsions ( DEs) offers an interesting approach to improve the fat content of foods. With this aim, the effect on frankfurter properties of replacing pork backfat with two different DEs prepared using perilla oil and pork backfat as lipid phases was assessed. This strategy was compared with straightforward addition of the lipid source and addition by means of an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. RESULTS As compared with all-pork-fat frankfurters, the ones with perilla oil had a higher proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Reduced-fat frankfurters had similar water- and fat-binding properties irrespective of the lipid source or the technological strategy used to incorporate it. Moreover, the oil source but not its mode of incorporation determined the oxidation levels of frankfurters. In reduced-fat samples, except in the case of frankfurters formulated with a perilla oil-in-water emulsion, hardness was unaffected either by the type of fat or by its mode of incorporation. The replacement of pork backfat by perilla oil reduced the overall acceptability of products when perilla oil was added by means of the O/W emulsion and DE approaches. CONCLUSION This technology is suitable for labelling meat products with specific nutritional and health claims. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to better understand consumer attitudes about meat origin, cattle breeding and feeding systems. We analysed the determinants that lead consumers to use labelled information contained on fresh beef and processed beef products. Information was gathered by telephone using a questionnaire survey conducted in the northern Italy. The survey sampled nearly 1000 consumers. Four binary logit models were used to investigate consumers' use of specific labelled information using a set of variables to identify the primary determinants. Results showed that the use of different types of labelled meat-information is affected by the variables related to socio-demographics, product quality, safety perception, and consumer food knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In three studies the authors seek to extend prior research by examining the simultaneous effects of positive (halos) and negative (horns) health-related inferences. How the provision of objective point-of-purchase nutrition information moderates the effects of these pre-existing health halo and health horn effects on food evaluations and choices is considered. In Study 1 predictions addressing the interaction between a recently mandated objective nutrition disclosure and initial product category healthfulness perceptions are proposed and supported. Study 2 extends findings from this initial online experiment to a more realistic retail environment, and Study 3 addresses how different presentation exposure contexts (on a package compared to a nutrition poster) affects evaluations and how evaluations related to the information disclosure are linked. Since the USDA recently required retailers to provide nutrition information at the point-of-purchase for beef and poultry products, these results have important implications for consumers, producers, retailers, and policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for individual identification are usually employed for traceability, whereas breed identification is useful to detect commercial frauds. In this study, Chinese Yellow Cattle (CYC) samples plus data from six Bos taurus breeds, two Bos indicus breeds, and one composite breed were used to develop an allocation test based on 22 microsatellites. The test allowed discriminating all foreign breeds from the CYC, although some CYC individuals were wrongly allocated as Limousin or Holstein, probably due to the recent introduction of these breeds into China. In addition, CYC evidenced a previously reported Zebu cline (south–north) and a possible structure within the B. taurus component that should be confirmed. An independent test performed with meat samples of unknown breed origin from Argentina allocated 92% of them to either Angus, Hereford, or their crossbreed, but none was identified as CYC. We conclude that the test is a suitable tool to certify meat of foreign breed origin and to detect adulterations of CYC beef labeled as imported meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses some of the trade implications of the 2014 Farm Bill. Topics discussed include conflicts of the 2014 Farm Bill with U.S. commitments under current international trade agreements, the failure of the U.S. Congress to modify required Country-of-Origin Labeling on meat products despite its violation of World Trade Organization rules, and the emergence of dairy subsidies in the 2014 Farm Bill.

Pork nuggets were processed by incorporating fermented bamboo shoot mince and their physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics were evaluated during 35day storage at refrigeration temperature (4±1°C). Addition of fermented bamboo shoot significantly affects the pH, moisture, protein, fat, fiber, instrumental color values and texture profiles of nuggets, especially at 6% and 8% addition levels. Nuggets with 6% and 8% FBSM had significantly lower TBARS values at the end of the storage period (i.e. 0.39 and 0.33mg malonaldehyde/kg respectively) compared to the control (0.84mg malonaldehyde/kg). Bamboo shoot addition significantly improved the microbial and sensory qualities of the pork nuggets. Incorporation of fermented bamboo shoot at 8% level increased the shelf life of pork nuggets by at least two weeks i.e. from 21days to 35days at 4±1°C compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to their high market value, meat products are often targets for species substitution and adulteration. DNA-based methods are recognized as the most appropriate means to detect such fraudulent practices, however, these have not been extensively employed for the authentication of meat products available in South Africa. The aim of this study was to utilize a variety of molecular techniques to evaluate the extent of meat product mislabelling prevailing on the local market. A total of 139 processed meat products (minced meats, burger patties, deli meats, sausages and dried meats) were collected from retail outlets and butcheries in South Africa. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed for the detection of undeclared plant proteins (soya and gluten) in the samples. A commercial DNA-based LCD array was used to screen the samples for the presence of 14 animal species, the results of which were confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in some cases also DNA sequencing. The results revealed that 95 of 139 (68%) samples contained species which were not declared on the product labelling, with the incidence being highest in sausages, burger patties and deli meats. Soya and gluten were identified as undeclared plant proteins in a large number of samples (>28%), while pork (37%) and chicken (23%) were the most commonly detected animal species. Unconventional species such as donkey, goat and water buffalo were also discovered in a number of products. Overall, this study confirmed that the mislabelling of processed meats is commonplace in South Africa and not only violates food labelling regulations, but also poses economic, religious, ethical and health impacts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Authenticity testing of animal species present in food has become a very important issue regarding the economical, safety, religious and health aspects. The food labeling regulations state that every meat species that was added in the product must be accurately declared to the consumer. Given the latest incidences, most of the population has lost confidence in the authenticity and quality of products found on the market. The aim of this study was to assess the authenticity of various beef products found on a regional market based on DNA confirmation method. The material used was represented by 87 beef products analyzed and tested in the Food Safety laboratory from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Cluj. All of the samples collected were purchased from a regional market having also a visible label. For the DNA extraction we used a DNA extraction kit (Isolate II, Bioline), the quantities and purities being read at the spectrophotometer (Nanodrop ND1000). The method used was PCR-multiplex, in which we used two sets of specific primers: one that amplify cattle mitochondrial DNA sequences and one for pork mitochondrial DNA sequences. The study revealed that 15% of the samples analyzed did not have the label in accordance with the content of the products. 5 of the products tested were negative at the amplification with bovine specific primers but positive for the pork DNA. 10 samples tested were positive both for bovine DNA as well as for pork DNA although on the label the pork meat adding was not mentioned. In the regional market studied there are deficiencies in labelling some of the beef products resulting in fraudulent marketing of pork meat mixture. We highly recommend a more severe surveillance and the DNA testing in the sanitary veterinary control units in order to identify the possible frauds and the retraction of the non-corresponding labelled products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the influence of two label conditions on the acceptance of boar meat. A central location test was conducted with 145 consumers each assessing 4 pieces of pork loin. Samples varied with respect to two factors: actual meat type (boar vs. standard pork) and label information (young boar meat vs. pork). Androstenone and skatole levels in the tested boar meat ranged from 0.51 to 2.72μg/g and 0.01 to 0.23μg/g melted fat, respectively. Consumers'' sensitivity to and appreciation of androstenone and skatole odour was determined through a smell experiment. The acceptance of taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall liking was neither influenced by the label information nor by the meat type. Twenty-seven % of all participants were classified as insensitive to androstenone odour, whereas 52% perceived it as positive and 21% as negative. Consumers who disliked the androstenone odour indicated a higher disliking of boar meat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, TaqMan-based real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) techniques were developed for the detection of chicken and turkey meat in raw and heat-treated meat mixtures. Primers and TaqMan probe sets were designed to amplify 86 bp and 136 bp fragments for the chicken and turkey species, respectively, on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene. In the results, it was possible to detect each species at the level of 0.1 pg template DNA with the TaqMan probe technique without any cross-reactivity with nontarget species (bovine, ovine, donkey, pork, and horse) while the detection level was 1 pg template DNA using conventional PCR. The TaqMan probe assays used in this study allowed the detection of as little as 0.001% level of both species in the experimental meat mixtures, prepared by mixing chicken and turkey meat with beef at different levels (0.001% to 10%). In conclusion, TaqMan probe assays developed in this research are promising tools in the specific identification and sensitive quantification of meat species even in the case of heat-treated meat products, and suitable for a rapid, automated, and routine analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information related to veterinary medicine. It says that Animal Management in Remote and Rural Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) has appointed Ted Donelan as its new president who is excited to work with the organisation and created partnership with Bayer Animal Health for the promotion of the organisation's work. It adds the advocacy of veterinarians in Great Britain over the slaughter practices in which they urge for advancement in meat product labels and welfare improvements.

Abstract: In recent years, interest in meat authenticity has increased. Many consumers are concerned about the meat they eat and accurate labelling is important to inform consumer choice. Authentication methods can be categorised into the areas where fraud is most likely to occur: meat origin, meat substitution, meat processing treatment and non-meat ingredient addition. Within each area the possibilities for fraud can be subcategorised as follows: meat origin—sex, meat cuts, breed, feed intake, slaughter age, wild versus farmed meat, organic versus conventional meat, and geographic origin; meat substitution—meat species, fat, and protein; meat processing treatment—irradiation, fresh versus thawed meat and meat preparation; non-meat ingredient addition—additives and water. Analytical methods used in authentication are as diverse as the authentication problems, and include a diverse range of equipment and techniques. This review is intended to provide an overview of the possible analytical methods available for meat and meat products authentication. In areas where no authentication methods have been published, possible strategies are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT A PCR assay was developed for the identification of meats and commercial meat products from quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasant (Phasianus coichicus), partridge (Alectoris spp.), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), pigeon (Columba spp.), Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), and song thrush' (Thrdus philomelos) based on oligonucleotide primers targeting specific sequences from the mitochondrial D-loop region. The primers designed generated specific fragments of 96, 100, 104, 106, 147, 127, and 154 bp in length for quail, pheasant, partridge, guinea fowl, pigeon, Eurasian woodcock, and song thrush tissues, respectively. The specificity of each primer pair was tested against DNA from various game and domestic species. In this work, satisfactory amplification was accomplished in the analysis of experimentally pasteurized (72°C for 30 mm) and sterilized (121°C for 20 mm) meats, as well as in commercial meat products from the target species. The technique was also applied to raw and sterilized muscular binary mixtures, with a detection limit of 0.1% (wt/wt) for each of the targeted species. The proposed PCR assay represents a rapid and straightforward method for the detection of possible mislabeling in game bird meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administration of antibiotics or hormones to broiler chickens for therapeutic and performance-enhancing purposes may lead to deposit of residuals in their carcasses. This could be a potential human health hazard upon exposure to these residues. The objective of this study was to detect residue levels of tetracycline, streptomycin, sulfamethazine, chloramphenicol, trenbolon, estradiol-17ß, and testosterone in broiler chicken meat commonly marketed in the Sultanate of Oman. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay technique was used to detect residues in 128 broiler chicken breast muscles, representing various poultry processing companies from six countries representing four continents. Generally, samples contained various levels of residues of different antibiotic and hormones. Tetracycline levels ranged between 35 and 56 ng/kg (mean 45.9); streptomycin ranged between 30 and 155 ng/kg (mean 100.0); sulfamethazine levels ranged between 0.079 and 5.60 ng/kg (mean 1.07); trenbolon ranged between 0.70 and 3.12 ng/kg (mean 1.67); estradiol 17-ß ranged from 0.06 to 2.00 ng/kg (mean 0.70); chloramphenicol ranged from 5.00 to 74.00 ng/kg (mean 14.38); and testosterone ranged from 4 to 70 ng/kg (mean 25.53). There were significant differences in residue levels of antibiotics and hormones between the companies and countries. There were significant differences in antibiotic and anabolic agents' residues with the exception of trenbolon between continents. This study indicated that broiler chicken meat products available in the local market contained various levels of residues of several antibiotic and anabolic agents. Although levels of some of these residues did not exceed the maximum allowable limits, they still poise a human health hazard. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There has been an increasing awareness of the widespread drug therapy and the possibility of residues in meat and consequently the potential human health hazards associated with exposure to these residues. Many of these are now classified as carcinogenic, toxic and allergenic, which interfere with human natural physiological functions. The Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is one of the sophisticate techniques to detect residuals based on enzyme-labeled reagents. Therefore, investigations using ELISA technique to monitor residues of various drugs in meat products should be applicable to insure the safety of animal food products for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Proper labelling of meat products is important to help fair-trade, and to enable consumers to make informed choices. However, it has been shown that labelling of species, expressed as weight/weight (w/w), on meat product labels was incorrect in more than 20% of cases. Enforcement of labelling regulations requires reliable analytical methods. Analytical methods are often based on protein or DNA measurements, which are not directly comparable to labelled meat expressed as w/w. This review discusses a wide range of analytical methods with focus on their ability to quantify and their limits of detection (LOD). In particular, problems associated with a correlation from quantitative DNA based results to meat content (w/w) are discussed. The hope is to make researchers aware of the problems of expressing DNA results as meat content (w/w) in order to find better alternatives. One alternative is to express DNA results as genome/genome equivalents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Credence attributes (production system, animal welfare, traceability, among others) have acquired importance for meat products in developed countries, representing information that must be included on label. A personal survey was administered to 770 consumers in the Bío-Bío and La Araucanía Regions, Chile, to determine the utility of information contained on the label and acceptance of information referred to as credence attributes, as well as to distinguish different consumer segments. The packaging and expiry dates were the most useful aspects of the current information. The greatest degree of agreement with respect to information that should be included was a quality seal, type of animal, handling regarding animal welfare, production system and feeding. Using cluster analysis, three segments were distinguished. The largest (49.2%) agreed most strongly with including information about feeding, transport conditions, slaughtering, traceability, and production system. The second group (34.4%) was indifferent to information about transport, slaughter and traceability. The smallest segment (16.4%) disagreed with including information on slaughtering. Therefore, the information currently present on meat labels was useful for consumers, who would also value having information on the credence attributes associated with cattle production, such as production system, feeding and animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh meat retail cases in 104 supermarkets across 5 regions of the United States were audited for the use of packaging types and materials, branding, and cooking/nutritional information. Frequency means were separated for species of beef, ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, and veal. Traditional polyvinyl chloride overwrap was used on 47.0% of packages in the fresh meat case nationwide and was the most frequent packaging type for beef, ground beef, pork, lamb, and veal. The use of modified atmosphere packaging was greatest (P < 0.001) in ground beef (33.2%) and turkey (45.1%) products. The 3 most common tray colors in the fresh meat retail case on a national level were white (39.6%), yellow (22.4%), and black (11.5%). Foam trays were used in 72.6% of all packages in the retail meat case. In 2004, 60.2% of all packages were case-ready. Chicken (94.8%) and turkey (95.6%) products utilized case-ready packaging systems more (P < 0.001) than any other species. On a national level, 50.1% of all products carried a national brand, 12.2% carried a store brand, and the remaining 37.7% of products in the fresh meat case in 2004 were not branded. Chicken was most (P < 0.001) likely to carry a natural brand label. Labels with cooking instructions were found most (P < 0.001) on pork (37.3%) and turkey products (48.1%). Chicken (20.4%) and turkey products (20.7%) were most (P < 0.001) likely to have the cooking instructions printed on the packaging material compared with all other species. Labels with nutritional information were most (P <0.001) likely to be found on turkey products (55.7%) in the fresh meat case compared with any other species. On the national level, 6.1% of all packages reported in the fresh meat case in 2004 were value-added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Proper labeling of meat products is important to ensure fair-trading and to enable consumers to make informed choices. Different investigations indicate that wrong labeling where thawed meat is labeled as fresh meat is present in 8–15% of analyzed samples. Enforcement of regulations requires adequate analytical methods where enzymatic-, DNA based-, spectroscopic-, bio imaging- and sensory techniques constitute the majority of published papers. The molecular changes that these techniques detect are described. The capability of both discrimination between fresh and thawed meat, and determination of frozen storage time are discussed for each of the analytical techniques. The products included in this review are primarily whole meat from Bos taurus (cow), Sus scrofus (pig) and Gallus gallus (chicken). The best analytical choice in the discrimination of fresh vs. thawed meat is concluded to be a combination of analytical methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Point-of-purchase safety-based labeling guidance on the proper storage and handling of refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products could help reduce the risk of listeriosis. Seniors and pregnant women are two population groups at increased risk of listeriosis due to suppressed or compromised immune systems. We conducted 11 focus groups with senior-aged women and women of childbearing age in Colorado and Ohio to assess consumer awareness of Listeria, storage practices of RTE meat products, perceptions regarding the acceptability and usefulness of common date and potential food safety labeling statements on RTE meat and poultry products, and food safety information needs. Storage times for opened and unopened RTE products varied widely, with opened products often being stored longer than recommended. Women in both age groups paid attention to date labels on packages but varied highly in their interpretation of the statements. "Use by" statements were considered clearer and more helpful than "Sell by" or "Best if used by" labels. Proposed food safety--based labeling statements listing "antilisterial" agents used in RTE products were not well received. However, labels giving consumers instructions on how long they could keep RTE products and when to discard them after opening were considered helpful and well received. Participants indicated the need for further information about Listeria and its control. Educational information at point-of-purchase and where seniors and pregnant women congregate are suggested. Manufacturers are encouraged to provide more complete information on the safe storage and use of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products on package labels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic values for resistance to gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in meat sheep were estimated based on previously published genetic and phenotypic parameters in a selection index objectively optimizing gains on yearling weight (YW). A two-trait index of YW and faecal egg count (FEC) were considered when accounting only for tangible roles of sheep production using individual records for index calculation (scheme 1) or including individual, sire, dam and male paternal half-sib information (scheme 2). Schemes 3 and 4 were similar to schemes 1 and 2, respectively, but accounted for both tangible and intangible roles of sheep production. Economic values within each scheme were estimated for five breeding objectives as follows: (i) index response in YW equals response from single trait selection, (ii) index response in YW is maximum, (iii) the level of FEC was held constant, (iv) A predetermined response of−0.22 (×1000) eggs per gram was assumed and (v) Monetary value of response in FEC is minimum. All estimated economic values were negative, and were Kenya Shillings (KSh)−34.90 (US$−0.50), 0.00,−92.20 (US$−1.32),−153.31 (US$−2.19) and−47.90 (US$−0.68), respectively, for options 1–5 in scheme 1. In all schemes the breeding options ranked 4, 3, 5 and 1 in descending order; however, options 1 and 5 exchanged positions in schemes 2 and 4. Economic values were responsive to changes in heritability of FEC and genetic correlation between the two traits. The magnitude of the economic values reflects the importance of including resistance to GI helminths in the breeding objectives for meat sheep in different production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addressed consumers’ attitude towards food labels and the influence of different aspects of meat labels on beef, poultry and seafood consumption using data from a national survey in the USA. Approximately 70% of the respondents reported that food labels helped in the purchases of beef and other meat products. While 50% thought that the present level of information on meat labels was about right, about 30% thought that it was insufficient. Similarly, 80, 81, 60, and 80% of the respondents thought that it was very important that meat labels contain information regarding nutrition, ingredients, health claim, and production process respectively. Those respondents who thought that nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were very important also thought that meat labels helped them select beef and other meat products. Consumer preferences for nutrition and ingredient information on food labels were positively related with meat consumption frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the benefits of the rules imposed by the United States Department of Agriculture on raw meat and poultry products. Increase of consumers food choice practices; Enhancement of diet intake consciousness; Reduction of fat and cholesterol intake and disease.

Determines the influence on consumers of food labels or the lack thereof on products. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mandating nutrition labels on packaged meats and poultry; Ambiguity of some labels' terminology; Need for nutrition teachers to help consumers understand labels and modify consumption.

The article focuses on the enforcement of the mandatory label indicators for dairy and meat products in Greece based on the regulation issued by the Joint Ministerial Decree (JMD). It says that the regulation requires businesses that are involved in marketing meat to use weighing machines that provide automatic stickers to show the origin of the meat sold. It adds that the regulation is controversial among Greek farmers who ask for protection over the occurrence of illegal meat naturalizations.