Detection of central nervous system tissues in minced meat by ELISA and histological examination

The aim of this study was to compare two histological staining methods and an ELISA for the detection of central nervous system (CNS) tissue in raw minced meat obtained from tissues surrounding the spinal cord of a bovine carcass split using a band saw, as well as in experimentally prepared fresh minced meat samples containing different proportions of brain or spinal cord tissue. Minced meat samples containing CNS tissue at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 10% were analyzed using Crossmon’s modified triple staining, Kluver–Barrera staining, and ELISA. No statistically significant differences were detected between the staining methods or between histological examination and ELISA. However, ELISA detected CNS tissue at a lower concentration (0.1%) than histological examination (0.2%), indicating greater analytical sensitivity. In contrast, histological examination enabled direct visualization of tissue morphology, including ganglion tissue that was not detected by ELISA. Thus, the two techniques provided complementary information. These findings may facilitate the identification of adulteration in meat and meat products and help prevent the consumption of CNS tissues that may pose a public health risk associated with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).