Product testing in Denmark has found traces of animal DNA that were not on the ingredient list — although the majority were in low quantities.
Fødevarestyrelsen (the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration) said a new DNA method would make it easier to uncover fraud with meat and fish.
More than 20 percent of samples contained other animal species than those declared. The agency said findings illustrate the need for more targeted controls and clearer procedures to uncover potential fraud or non-compliance in the food chain.
In 12 of 54 products tested with the DNA analysis method at the agency’s laboratory in Ringsted, traces of animal DNA that were not listed on the packaging were found.
Highlighted results
Fødevarestyrelsen said the use of WeNou as an external accredited lab strengthened the credibility of results, especially in cases of discrepancies related to the declaration. WeNou is a lab in Portugal.
Samples of pre-packaged foods, such as breaded fish and lasagna, were taken that declared the specific content of a certain species.
Two samples contained more fish species than what was listed. One sample revealed undeclared animal DNA, which prompted sanctions and follow-up checks at the company.
Examples include traces of turkey DNA in beef sausages and of chicken DNA in duck. Low levels of pork and lamb DNA were found in beef and traces of duck and chicken in turkey.
Another sample contained an undeclared animal species. Fødevarestyrelsen said the possibility of fraud would have been worth investigating if the producer was Danish.
Fødevarestyrelsen recommended that in future campaigns, there is an assessment of accreditation status and sanction options before the project starts. Results emphasize the importance of traceability and being able to find the correct documentation quickly.
“Regardless of whether it is unintentional errors or systematic cheating, incorrect product declaration can have serious consequences for some consumers – including allergy sufferers,” said Henrik Dammand, from Fødevarestyrelsen.
Danish Agro inspection
Meanwhile, Fødevarestyrelsen has seized all grain for food use at one of Danish Agro’s sites.
After an inspection at Danish Agro in Dalmose, the agency confiscated about 50,000 tons from this year’s harvest. According to the company, capacity at the site was exceeded by 36 percent.
Fødevarestyrelsen also banned the sale of any grain and ordered the firm to tell its customers to withdraw resold grain.
An inspection at an unnamed company that received grain from Danish Agro Dalmose revealed there was documentation for the quality and safety of products and no traces of mycotoxins. Fødevarestyrelsen said this means there is no risk to consumers.
Inspectors in Dalmose found a pest infestation in halls and outdoor areas as well as mice and rat droppings in several places. They also saw an owl and feathers from other dead birds.
Some buildings needed repair and were not pest proof. Large quantities of grain left outside since harvest in August 2025 had become wet, with signs of mold. Fødevarestyrelsen said this poses a risk of mycotoxin contamination.
According to documents from Danish Agro, 41 loads were delivered from Aug. 7 to Sept. 29, of which six were rejected by the customers because of poor quality. An inspection report dated Oct. 27 said the company was in the process of doing things such as pest control of buildings and disposal of grain for biogas.
Fødevarestyrelsen is also investigating conditions at other Danish Agro locations. A visit to Nykøbing in early October uncovered rodent droppings and tracks, dust accumulation and wet grain in a room that had recently been flooded. The company had documentation showing cleaning before the start of the season in mid-July but none had been done since. An external pest control company had been to the site several times in recent months and caught rats on some of these visits.
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