Only 7% samples tested positive for Cow meat between 2014-17

Pashu Sandesh, 05th January 2019

On the contrary to popular assumption, only 7% samples sent to National Research Centre on Meat (NRCM) Hyderabad between 2014 and 2017 was found positive for the Cow’s meat. This fact was revealed in a paper published by the Centre. NRCM used species specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique to identified the species of sample of the meat. These findings are published in the journal of Biocatalysis and agricultural Biotechnology under title “ Application of DNA technology to check misrepresentation of Animal species in illegally sold meat” by Dr S Vaithiyanathan, Dr M R Vishnu Raj and Dr G Narendra Reddy.

Between 2014 and 2017 NRCM received 139 samples for the analysis out of which only 112 samples were found suitable for the analysis due to various technical reasons. Samples were mostly received from UP, Maharashtra, MP, Goa, Bihar, Karnataka , AP, Punjab, Telangana and Chattisgarh. Samples were sent by Police, Animal Husbandry Departments, FSSAI and custom authorities. 

Out of 112 analysed samples, 8 were tested positive for cow, Buffalo 22, Bull 63 and rest for Camel, Sheep, Goat and Chicken. Interestingly one sample which was sent on the suspicion of Dog Meat was found to be positive for Sheep. 

In 2018 there are 80 meat samples under processing and the pattern is nearly same. There are States where the slaughter of both the Cow and Cow progeny is prohibited. The results from the study show that Cow slaughter does takes place albeit in a smaller number but the Cow progeny slaughter is much higher. Cow slaughter being a sensitive issue, the result from the studies does through some much needed light if one is analysing whole issue out of the political prejudice and compulsions.