Animal Species Identification of Meat Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry

We describe the animal species identification of meat using MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy including the development and validation of a reliable method, qualified for use in the accredited official food-control laboratory.

Previous publications had shown the potential of MALDI-TOF MS for animal species differentiation of several kind of food, including meat. Our aim was to establish a rapid and reliable method by means of a simplified sample preparation without prior tryptic digest, an existing popular MALDI system, an independent extensive reference database, and an adequate validation concept. In contrast to the previous works, we consequently use the MALDI user platform “MALDI-UP” to give other food control laboratories the possibility of exchanging reference and validation spectra.