Mukhit Kulmaganbetov

Mukhit Kulmaganbetov


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
29 October 2026 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GNGaukhar Nusupbaeva
Gaukhar Nusupbaeva
DKDamir Kobzhassarov
Damir Kobzhassarov
SMSandugash Mukazhanova
Sandugash Mukazhanova
ZZZhanat Zhamalbekova
Zhanat Zhamalbekova
SKSandugash Katysheva
Sandugash Katysheva
MKMukhit Kulmaganbetov
Mukhit Kulmaganbetov
Background: Meat adulteration, particularly the undeclared addition of pork, is a critical food fraud and religious compliance concern in Muslim-majority countries like Kazakhstan. This study determined the prevalence of undeclared porcine DNA in processed meat products and evaluated the reliability of Halal certification. Methods: A total of 195 non-pork-labelled samples collected across Kazakhstan in 2024–2025 were screened using species-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). A Cycle Threshold (Ct) cutoff of 35 was applied to differentiate high target DNA concentrations from trace cross-contamination. Results: Undeclared porcine DNA was detected in 57 samples (29.2%). Of these, 48 (24.6%) yielded Ct values below 35, indicating high target DNA concentrations, while 9 (4.6%) had Ct values of 35 or above, suggesting trace cross-contamination. Notably, the detection rate in Halal-certified products (29.2%) was statistically identical to that of non-certified products (p = 1). Conclusions: These results reveal a substantial prevalence of undeclared porcine DNA in Kazakhstan’s processed meats and demonstrate that current voluntary Halal labelling provides no assurance against pork contamination. This underscores the urgent need for routine molecular surveillance and strict hygiene control protocols.