Molecular Detection of Undeclared Porcine DNA in Processed Meat Products and Assessment of Halal Labelling Compliance in Kazakhstan Using qPCR

Background: Meat adulteration, particularly the undeclared addition of pork, is a critical food fraud and religious compliance concern in Muslim-majority countries like Kazakhstan. This study determined the prevalence of undeclared porcine DNA in processed meat products and evaluated the reliability of Halal certification. Methods: A total of 195 non-pork-labelled samples collected across Kazakhstan in 2024–2025 were screened using species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). A Cycle Threshold (Ct) cutoff of 35 was applied to differentiate high target DNA concentrations from trace cross-contamination. Results: Undeclared porcine DNA was detected in 57 samples (29.2%). Of these, 48 (24.6%) yielded Ct values below 35, indicating high target DNA concentrations, while 9 (4.6%) had Ct values of 35 or above, suggesting trace cross-contamination. Notably, the detection rate in Halal-certified products (29.2%) was statistically identical to that of non-certified products (p = 1). Conclusions: These results reveal a substantial prevalence of undeclared porcine DNA in Kazakhstan’s processed meats and demonstrate that current voluntary Halal labelling provides no assurance against pork contamination. This underscores the urgent need for routine molecular surveillance and strict hygiene control protocols.