BS EN 18033:2024 - Food Authenticity: Quantitation of Equine DNA in Raw Beef

In the ever-evolving world of food safety and authenticity, the BS EN 18033:2024 standard stands as a crucial tool for ensuring the integrity of meat products. This standard provides a comprehensive methodology for the quantitation of equine DNA relative to mammalian DNA in raw beef, addressing a critical aspect of food authenticity and consumer trust.

Overview of BS EN 18033:2024

Released on January 13, 2025, this standard is a pivotal document for laboratories, food manufacturers, and regulatory bodies involved in the food industry. With a total of 16 pages, it offers detailed guidelines and procedures to accurately determine the presence and quantity of equine DNA in raw beef products.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 18033:2024
• ISBN: 978 0 539 28583 3
• Status: Standard

Importance of Food Authenticity

Food authenticity is a growing concern for consumers and regulatory bodies worldwide. The presence of undeclared or misrepresented ingredients in food products can lead to significant health risks and undermine consumer confidence. The BS EN 18033:2024 standard addresses these concerns by providing a reliable method for detecting and quantifying equine DNA in beef products, ensuring that consumers receive exactly what is stated on the label.

Applications of the Standard

This standard is essential for:

• Food Testing Laboratories: Laboratories can utilize this standard to perform accurate and reliable tests, ensuring that beef products are free from undeclared equine DNA.
• Food Manufacturers: Manufacturers can implement this standard to verify the authenticity of their beef products, maintaining brand integrity and consumer trust.
• Regulatory Bodies: Government and regulatory agencies can use this standard to enforce food labeling laws and protect public health.

Technical Details

The BS EN 18033:2024 standard outlines a precise methodology for the quantitation of equine DNA. It includes detailed instructions on sample preparation, DNA extraction, and quantitative analysis using advanced molecular techniques. This ensures that the results are both accurate and reproducible, providing a high level of confidence in the authenticity of beef products.

Why Choose BS EN 18033:2024?

Choosing the BS EN 18033:2024 standard means choosing a commitment to quality and transparency in the food industry. By adhering to this standard, stakeholders can demonstrate their dedication to food safety and authenticity, setting themselves apart in a competitive market.

Benefits of Compliance

• Consumer Confidence: Build trust with consumers by ensuring that your products are authentic and accurately labeled.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meet and exceed regulatory requirements for food labeling and safety.
• Market Advantage: Differentiate your brand by showcasing your commitment to quality and authenticity.

Conclusion

The BS EN 18033:2024 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the production, testing, or regulation of beef products. By providing a reliable method for the quantitation of equine DNA, it helps ensure the authenticity and safety of food products, protecting both consumers and brands alike.

Embrace the future of food authenticity with the BS EN 18033:2024 standard and take a proactive step towards ensuring the integrity of your beef products.

BS EN 18033:2024

This standard BS EN 18033:2024 Food authenticity. Quantitation of equine DNA relative to mammalian DNA in raw beef (meat) is classified in these ICS categories:

• 07.100.30 Food microbiology
• 67.120.10 Meat and meat products

This document specifies a real-time PCR procedure for the quantitation of the amount of equine DNA relative to total mammalian DNA in a raw meat sample. Results of this equine assay are expressed in terms of equine (Equus genus) haploid genome copy numbers relative to total mammalian haploid genome copy numbers. This assay is specific for representatives of the genus Equus and therefore detects horse, mule, donkey and zebra DNA. The method has been previously validated in a collaborative study and applied to DNA extracted from samples that consist of raw horse meat in a raw beef (meat) background. The limit of detection has been determined experimentally to be at least 17 horse haploid genome equivalents (HGE) for both the equine PCR and the mammalian PCR based on the lowest dilution on the respective calibration curves through single laboratory validation. The lowest relative horse content of the target sequence included in the collaborative study was a mass fraction of 0,1 % based on gravimetrically prepared raw horse muscle tissue in a raw beef muscle tissue background. The compliance assessment process is not part of this document.