Compositional Analysis of Selected Food Products

Defra is undertaking a focussed informal survey of approx. 350 meat and fish products to verify compliance with compositional standards and labelling. Sample collection and screening analysis to check for labelling mis-description is being undertaken by FERA Science Ltd. Samples are analysed using an appropriate DNA-based multi-analyte screen which encompasses pork, beef, lamb, turkey, chicken, goat and equine species. White fish samples are analysed using a multi-analyte screen which encompasses cod, pollack and pangasius.

Those samples which are screened as positive (for a species not declared on the label) and a proportion of screen-negative results, are to be submitted for independent confirmatory analysis by a third-party laboratory, using appropriate DNA-based methodology for species verification and an assessment of how much is present; employing 1% weight for weight (w/w) as the figure above which deliberate adulteration is implicated. It is anticipated that the screening process will identify as 'positive' all samples where there is a greater than 0.5% proportion of non-declared species present in a sample. However, the figure which should be used at confirmatory analysis to indicate deliberate adulteration remains 1% (w/w).

Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk", ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at help@bravosolution.co.uk. "​