# DNA Barcoding in Meat Authentication: Principles, Applications, and Future Perspectives

**Authors:** Jiangyao Hu, Hewen Wei, Yanjie Jiang, Qingyu Xue, Feijuan Wang

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/foods14203522 · 2025-10-16

## TL;DR

DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for verifying meat authenticity, improving food safety, and supporting biodiversity conservation.

## Contribution

This paper reviews the principles, applications, and future potential of DNA barcoding in meat authentication.

## Key findings

- DNA barcoding is effective in identifying meat species and detecting adulteration.
- It offers advantages over traditional methods in accuracy and reliability.
- The technology supports food safety and biodiversity conservation efforts.

## Abstract

DNA barcoding technology, as a species identification method based on specific DNA sequence variations, has been widely applied in meat product authentication in recent years. This paper reviews the technical principles, current applications, and comparative advantages of DNA barcoding in meat identification, particularly in contrast to traditional authentication methods. It further highlights the critical role of DNA barcoding in ensuring meat authenticity, enhancing food safety, and contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts. Furthermore, the paper explores the strategic implications and future trends of DNA barcoding in food regulation and ecological protection, demonstrating its practical feasibility and broad prospects in meat products. By highlighting its applications in detecting food adulteration and verifying species origin, this review aims to promote the safety and sustainable development of the meat industry while providing valuable insights for related fields. Ultimately, the implementation of DNA barcoding technology serves as a crucial safeguard for public food safety and health, aligning with the growing demand for improved food control systems.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** Cyt b [NCBI Gene 807641]
- **Diseases:** injury to (MESH:D014947), allergic reactions (MESH:D004342), food poisoning (MESH:D005517)
- **Chemicals:** SDS (MESH:D012967)
- **Species:** Octopus (genus) [taxon 6643], Acipenser sturio (sturgeon, species) [taxon 61674], Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp, species) [taxon 6687], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Equus caballus (domestic horse, species) [taxon 9796], Bos taurus (bovine, species) [taxon 9913], Neogale vison (American mink, species) [taxon 452646], Anser anser (Domestic goose, species) [taxon 8843], Ovis aries (domestic sheep, species) [taxon 9940], Macrobrachium nipponense (oriental river prawn, species) [taxon 159736], salmonid fish (species) [taxon 36500], Bubalus bubalis (domestic water buffalo, species) [taxon 89462], Anas platyrhynchos (duck, species) [taxon 8839], Sus scrofa (pig, species) [taxon 9823], Bos indicus (Indicine cattle, species) [taxon 9915], Rubroshorea almon (species) [taxon 292004], Gallus gallus (bantam, species) [taxon 9031], Meleagris gallopavo (common turkey, species) [taxon 9103]

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12562593/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12562593