Ahmedabad Tightening restrictions on beef consumption, the Gujarat government has introduced rapid DNA tests to determine whether the meat is beef or not.
The loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) DNA test has been launched in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. Gujarat has thus become the first state in the country to implement DNA tests to confirm beef.
It is difficult to achieve a precise result in the traditional method if the meat is cooked for a long time or examined after a long period of time. However, the LAMP DNA result will provide an accurate result even from smaller or cooked meat samples, according to Nikunj Brahmbhatt, a senior faculty member at National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).
When a traditional serological analysis would take more than a day, the DNA test produces results in less than an hour. Furthermore, the new method does not require a lab because it analyses the meat sample on the spot.
“Using LAMP DNA method, the sample can be analysed on the spot, unlike other testing which is done in the lab setting. This test can identify beef even from smaller or cooked meat samples. Sometimes the seized samples may have more than one type of meat to hoodwink agencies,” Nikunj Brahmbhatt said.
Beef sales and consumption are prohibited in Ahmedabad. Other non-vegetarian foods have also been restricted. The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has ordered that all non-vegetarian food stalls, including chicken, mutton, fish, and eggs, be removed from public roads and within 100 metres of schools and religious buildings.
Non-vegetarian food must be covered by vendors and cannot be displayed. Non-vegetarian food was also prohibited from being sold by street vendors in the city. However, government officials stated that such a measure was implemented to ensure the quality and hygiene of the food being sold.