Christina Yuni Admantin from the Meat Science and Technology Laboratory at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science (Animal Science UGM) has developed a tool for rapidly detecting pork content in processed meat-based food products such as meatballs.
The tool, named the Porcine Detection Kit, can quickly detect the presence of pork in food products. Admantin explained that the tool delivers results within minutes.
“It only takes around 5-10 minutes to determine the presence of pork content,” said Admantin on Wednesday (Oct. 16).
The scientist says the Porcine Detection Kit is easy and practical, making it accessible to the general public. This contrasts with molecular biology detection methods, such as PCR, which are more complex and require specialized skills.
This kit’s testing is based on the principle of immunochromatography. Like a pregnancy test, it displays two red lines if a food product contains pork.
The antigen in the sample binds with highly specific antibodies on the test strip, forming an antigen-antibody complex. The test strip also contains a dye that marks the microparticles of the antigen bound by the antibody sample.
Admantin further explained that two red lines will appear when the pork antigen binds with the antibodies on the device, indicating a positive result.
“The working principle is similar to a pregnancy test,” said the scientist.
Admantin mentioned that her team plans to conduct further research to produce the tool independently. They aim for mass production at an affordable price so that it can be easily accessible to the public.
“We hope this tool’s development can provide a quick solution for the public and businesses to ensure the halal status of the food products they consume,” she concluded.
Report by: Animal Science UGM/Satria