Meat Speciation via Deployable Atmospheric Solid Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) Using Prototype...

Food fraud, particularly meat adulteration, poses risks to consumer trust, public health, and regulatory compliance. Existing detection methods are often slow and require complex preparation. There is a need for rapid, reliable, and accessible analytical approaches to verify meat authenticity in both laboratory and field settings.

Atmospheric Solid Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) was used for direct analysis of meat samples with minimal preparation. Spectral data from seven meat species were processed using chemometric modelling to build a classification system. The model was validated using laboratory-prepared mixed meat samples and subsequently applied to commercial processed products and ready meals.

The developed model successfully differentiated seven meat species and detected adulteration at levels as low as 5% in mixed samples. Analysis time was under 5 min per sample. When applied to commercial products, the method achieved 100% agreement with declared labelling, demonstrating high accuracy and robustness across different sample types.

This study demonstrates that ASAP-MS combined with chemometric modelling provides a fast, accurate and minimally invasive approach for meat speciation. Its speed and potential portability make it well suited for real-time, field-based testing, offering a valuable tool to enhance food authenticity monitoring and consumer protection.