Two commonly used methodologies for species detection within processed meat products are real-time
polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a DNA-based method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA), a protein-based method. In this study, a real-time PCR assay was compared to a commercial
ELISA kit based on sensitivity, specificity, agreement among duplicate samples, cost, time, and ease of
use. Fifteen reference samples containing known percentages (0.1e99.9%, w/w) of pork and beef were
analyzed in duplicate using both methods. Thirty commercial products, including sausages, pet treats,
and canned meats, were also tested in duplicate with each method. Reference sample analysis showed
real-time PCR was able to detect pork in duplicate samples at 0.10% and beef at 0.50% in the binary
mixtures. ELISA detected pork in duplicate samples at 10.0% and beef at 1.00% in the binary mixtures.
When the results of reference and commercial samples were combined, real-time PCR demonstrated the
greatest agreement among duplicate samples, at 96.7%, compared to 95.6% agreement for ELISA. The
real-time PCR assay used in this study was found to be less expensive, while ELISA was less timeconsuming
and easier to perform. Both methods were successful at identifying species in ground
meats, sausage, and deli meat samples; however, pet treats and canned meats proved more challenging.
Overall, it was determined that the real-time PCR assay was optimal for species identification in processed
meat products when a low detection limit is required; however, the ELISA kit may be advantageous
in other situations due to its ease of use.