ABSTRACT
Identication of the species origin of animal products is important for several reasons. First, consumers are to be protected against economic fraud by partial or complete substitution of the declared species with material of cheaper origin. Second, religious rules forbid the use of material from certain species, such as pork for Jews or Muslims and beef for Hindus. Third, unintended consumption of material from certain species may cause allergic or other idiosyncratic reactions that affect the health of susceptible individuals.
