Quantitative Analysis of Central Nervous System Tissues (CNST) in Beef By-Products in Retail Market

This study was carried out to investigate the applicability of the detection of central nervous system tissues (CNST) in beef by-products in retail market. Beef by-products including large intestine, brain, spinal cord, liver, lung, spleen and heart were purchased and tested for the presence of CNST using an ELISA method. The ELISA test was evaluated and showed a high correlation coefficient by a standard curve (R value = 0.999). Based on the analytical instruction, the positive indication of the CNST contamination of brain and spinal cord was detected above 0.1% but large intestine, liver, lung, spleen, and heart was negative. Result suggests that the ELISA method is applicable to a real meat system and may provide a method to ensure confidence for consumer against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).