Analytical validation of a rapid lateral flow test kit for colorimetric detection of trace pork contamination in meat products

A highly sensitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) test kit was developed and validated for detecting pork and trace adulteration in meat products. To enhance real-world application and user convenience, a rapid bead-based sample extraction was developed to enable quick sample preparation (1–5 min) for effective biomarker (porcine IgG) extraction, realizing preparation-to-result within 20 min. This strategy has allowed rapid detection of pork contamination as low as 0.001 % (w/w), which is 5–500 × more sensitive compared to current commercial lateral flow kits, in meat admixtures. The LFIA was rigorously validated with a range of meat and processed food products, confirming its high specificity to pork without cross-reactivity to other animal species or non-meat ingredients. Moreover, a long-term stability study confirmed that the LFIA maintained its performance at room temperature storage for 2 years. Our LFIA enables a rapid, user-friendly, sensitive, and species-specific method for pre-screening meats and meat products in the market. This is crucial in ensuring food authenticity, safety, and quality, as well as preventing food-borne illnesses and fraud.