Evaluation of novel DNA-based test kits

Summary

​SwissDecode DNAFoil PCR kit is an on-site DNA test kit that can detect pork contamination in beef without a requirement for expensive PCR instrumentation and laboratory settings. This study was conducted to test the DNAFoil technology and assess the suitability of the test in controlled conditions. A total of five (5) DNAFoil tests were conducted on beef, pork and beef mixed with varied percentages of pork. The DNAFoil kit is self contained, easy to use and was able to successfully detect the pork contamination at low levels.  However, a false positive was identified when beef was tested in the same environment where pork was handled previously. Although all care was taken to clean and decontaminate the working area and procedures to prevent cross contamination were followed, a false positive was observed. The number of kits tested is too small to draw conclusions on robustness of the kits and further testing on a larger sample size in different testing conditions is highly recommended.