Detection method based on real-time polymerase chain reaction for celery (Apium graveolens) in beverages and dehydrated soups

摘要

According to European legislation, food ingredients with potential allergenic properties, including celery (Apium graveolens), have to be declared. In order to provide an appropriate detection method for specific matrices, a method based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for celery in beverages and dehydrated soups was developed and validated. Three varieties of celery frequently processed in food production were used for artificial contamination of vegetable and fruit beverages as well as instant soups in order to prepare model samples. Detection limits of 2.8-9.2 pg celery DNA per sample (200 mg of food sample) for all three varieties were reached. Inclusivity and exclusivity of the real-time PCR system was 100 %. A practical detection limit of 10 mg center dot kg(-1) was determined for artificially contaminated beverages and soups. Real samples of fresh pressed vegetable and fruit juices with and without the celery component were analysed with identical results stated by the manufacturer.