M01026: A feasibility study into the marking of Category 3 (low risk) animal by-products
Tuesday 29 November 2005
A desk-based feasibility study was conducted to identify suitable markers that would enable the detection of human food products containing Category 3 animal by-products. This study determined the criteria that potential markers should possess and identified a range of likely candidates, which were then reviewed against the criteria, to produce a shortlist of candidate compounds.
Background
Animal by-products are classified into three groups according to the risk they present to public health. Category 1 presents the highest risk and must be labelled for disposal only. Category 2 materials must be labelled not for animal consumption. Category 3 material present the lowest risk and must be labelled not for human consumption. Category 1 and 2 materials must be marked with a smell or colour to prevent them being recycled back into the food chain. Category 3 material can be used to produce animal/pet food.
As there is no requirement for marking this material, it could be fraudulently used in the production of human food. The identification of a suitable marker, which would enable the detection of human food products containing Category 3 animal by-products, is desirable.
Research Approach
The project is a desk study and will initially determine the criteria that any potential markers must possess. A range of likely candidates will then be selected and reviewed against the criteria to produce a shortlist of candidate compounds. The study will also detail the scope of experimental evaluation required to assess the suitability of the selected candidates as a marker.
Results and findings
A number of chemical compounds have emerged from this study as potential Category 3 markers (i.e. tridecanoic acid, undecanoic acid, glycerol triundecanoate). These are chemically similar to, but would be distinguishable from, glycerol triheptanoate (GTH).
Although these markers meet most of the desirable criteria (i.e. non-toxic, chemically stable, colourless), the laboratory-based analyses required for detection could have practical difficulties in an enforcement context. Identification of a visible marker that is not a colour, i.e. a chemical marker that fluoresces under ultraviolet light, could overcome this.