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@ Halal | November-December . 2021

BY DR NOORATINY ISHAK Department of Chemistry Malaysia

During this process of evolution ( time transition ), new species will emerge , and these species are closely related to each other and continue to interact forever .

These species will continue to communicate with the closest species to maintain the continuity of their generation . These evolved animal species have distinctive genetic characteristics that represent themselves .

The genetic differences of new species with their ancestors from animal speciation cannot be distinguished physically or with the naked eye .

Traditionally , we have known that animal speciation is done through morphological comparison methods using dichotomous identification keys .

But with time , animal speciation can be solved more accurately and quickly through the latest DNA method than traditional methods of morphology and dichotomy .

The use of DNA techniques in animal speciation is essential because DNA , better known as molecular , is a field of high technology to study living things in the environment and the interaction between living things and the environment .

The field of animal DNA specification is vast . It covers various sub-fields where this field plays a significant role in the justice system . It can assist authorities such as the Malaysian Police in criminal investigations , especially criminal cases involving animals and help protect our country ’ s diversity and look after the well-being of Malaysians .

Fraud , biodiversity and Malaysia ’ s image

Advances in DNA technology in animal species identification analysis have been an essential element in testing food authenticity for food safety purposes , food source selection ( healthy and vegetarian food ) and religious practices ( halal / non-halal ).

For example , in food product fraud , DNA analysis of animal speciation is fundamental in determining the authenticity of the actual food source , so that accurate and fast analysis results are obtained .

As a result , it can also help law enforcement resolve issues that plague Malaysians in particular and ensure the safety of food eaten by Malaysians .

Using DNA technology in the specialisation of animals is further seen to improve Malaysia ’ s image as a country that can conserve and preserve the country ’ s biodiversity in general .

In ensuring the continuity of the generation of animal species , the application of animal species DNA is best to determine the relationship between intraspecies and interspecies animals .

It can be determined whether or not they are derived from the same or different genus , family , species and sub-species .

This can only be achieved by studying the DNA sequence of the animal species .

Examples of cases involving the use of DNA analysis in animal speciation are animal trafficking , cases involving animal attacks on humans , animal attacks on animals , black market trade in animal products ( hedgehog stone ) and accidents caused by animals .

Apart from animal smuggling , among the cases that use the technique of animal specification DNA is food counterfeiting cases where such cases have a considerable impact on the economy and national security if not curbed .

In particular , mixing halal meat with the meat of animals prohibited in Islam , such as pork , has also been reported .

Using DNA technology in the specialisation of animals is further seen to improve Malaysia ’ s image as a country that can conserve and preserve the country ’ s biodiversity in general .”

The case of mixing beef and buffalo in the cuisine has annoyed nasi kandar fans .

The adaptation of animal specification DNA analysis in the Cadbury chocolate issue has also eased the concerns of Malaysians about the validity of the halal status of the chocolate .

At the end of 2020 , a hotly-debated case was the meat cartel issue which has left the meat industry in Malaysia in a ‘ hot soup ’ accompanied by various speculations that have shaken Malaysia ’ s reputation as an Islamic country whose halal certificate is in doubt .

In general , KIMIA Malaysia is directly involved in handling the cases mentioned above . It is one of the responsibilities of KIMIA Malaysia ’ s responsibilities in being part of the task force in raising the image of Malaysia by offering animal specification DNA analysis services to enforcement agencies and the country in particular .

Food authenticity is the quality of natural and indisputable food in terms of nature , origin , identity , and to meet the expected properties . Food fraud is the deliberate act of a business or individual to deceive others concerning food integrity for more profit .

It involves the deliberate replacement or addition of a substance in a product to enhance the apparent value or reduce its production cost for economic gain .

The rapid growth of fraud technology in the food industry has benefited the food production sector . Exposure to this technology is crucial to the rapid development of the food industry in meeting consumer demand .

However , the development of these food industry technology scams has presented significant challenges to scientists in exploring the latest technologies that are more efficient in detecting the presence of banned elements or substances added to food products .

Therefore , in dealing with this scenario , animal DNA specification techniques are best in identifying fraud and prohibited substances . It is primarily animal resources ( pigs ) that have been added during the manufacturing process of food products and can curb the dumping of food containing meat mixture or containing prohibited substances such as pork .

Conclusion

Identifying animal DNA is not an easy task , but using appropriate and up-to-date technology to detect certain animal species is very helpful and should be done carefully .

Factors such as knowledge of the structure and composition of muscle tissue and its molecular structure must be in line with the possibilities of existing technologies to meet the needs of the DNA analysis to be performed .