Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A011
Published online: 22 April 2026
Hidden animal DNA in commercial medicinal products: implications for consumer transparency and molecular screening
Aleksandra Figura* and Magdalena Gryzińska
Sub-Department of General and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: aleksandra.figura@up.edu.pl
The presence of animal-derived ingredients in commercial medicinal and cosmetic products raises important concerns related to consumer transparency, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance. Products marketed as containing specific animal-based components may not accurately reflect their true biological composition, particularly when highly processed matrices are involved. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of DNA-based methods for verifying the composition of commercially available medicinal products and identifying potential discrepancies between declared and actual ingredients.
Two products, a gel and a balm obtained through customs enforcement procedures, were analysed using mitochondrial DNA targeting the cytochrome b gene. Universal primers were applied to enable species identification in degraded and complex samples. No DNA from the species suggested by product claims, namely Ursus arctos and Hirudo medicinalis, was detected. Instead, genetic material corresponding to Neovison vison and Sus scrofa was identified, indicating the presence of undeclared animal-derived components. These findings highlight inconsistencies between product labelling and actual composition, raising concerns for consumers adhering to vegetarian, vegan, halal, or kosher standards. The results also underline the potential of molecular techniques as screening tools for detecting undeclared biological material in processed products. Overall, DNA-based methods can provide a reliable approach for assessing product composition and identifying potential mislabelling in complex products.
Keywords: consumer protection; DNA analysis; ingredient transparency; mislabelling; species identification
How to cite
Figura A., Gryzińska M., 2026. Hidden animal DNA in commercial medicinal products: implications for consumer transparency and molecular screening. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.A011