Biochemical Profiling of Plant-Based Meat Adulteration in Indian Retailers

Thesis Abstract

The rapid expansion of plant-based meat products in India’s retail sector raises concerns about adulteration that can undermine consumer trust, health safety, and the integrity of food supply chains. This study addresses the problem of misrepresentation and substitution of animal-derived ingredients with plant-based alternatives in ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat meat substitutes sold across major metropolitan markets in India, with a focus on product labeling accuracy, biochemical authenticity, and supply-chain traceability. The aim is to develop a robust biochemical profiling framework to detect adulteration and quantify the extent of mislabeling in plant-based meat products. Specific objectives are (i) to characterize the biochemical signatures of diverse plant-based meat formulations using targeted and untargeted metabolomics; (ii) to evaluate labeling claims against molecular and biochemical data to identify instances of adulteration or misrepresentation; (iii) to model factors associated with adulteration risk, including supply-chain complexity, price differentials, and regulatory enforcement, using regression analysis; (iv) to propose a risk-based surveillance protocol for retailers and regulators; and (v) to assess consumer perception and trust in relation to biochemical verification results through qualitative interviews. The methodology adopts a cross-sectional, mixed-methods design combining analytical chemistry, statistical modeling, and stakeholder perspectives. The population comprises commercially available plant-based meat products from five major Indian retailers, including 100 distinct SKUs collected over a 12-month period. A stratified random sampling approach ensures representation across product types (burgers, sausages, mince, and nuggets) and price tiers. Data collection employs (a) biochemical analyses such as high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to profile protein composition, lipid fingerprints, and carbohydrate markers; (b) targeted DNA barcoding to corroborate species origin where applicable; (c) label-content comparison to declared ingredients and amino acid profiles; and (d) semi-structured interviews with ten quality-control managers and six regulatory inspectors to elucidate enforcement practices. Validity and reliability of instruments are ensured through calibration standards, inter-laboratory cross-validation on a subset of 20 samples, and pilot testing of interview guides. Data analysis integrates quantitative and qualitative strands multivariate statistical techniques including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and multiple linear regression to identify biochemical markers of adulteration and to quantify mislabeling rates; ANOVA to compare biochemical profiles across product categories; and thematic analysis for interview transcripts to synthesize governance challenges. A conceptual model linking product biochemical signatures, labeling accuracy, and regulatory oversight guides interpretation. Expected findings include a measurable proportion of plant-based meat products displaying biochemical incongruence with labeling claims, with key markers distinguishing plant-based formulations from potential animal-derived adulterants. HPLC-MS/MS and FTIR fingerprinting are anticipated to reveal specific protein and lipid signatures that correlate with adulteration risk, while DNA barcoding may confirm trace-level contamination in a subset of products. Regression analyses are expected to identify significant predictors of adulteration risk, such as price differentials between plant-based formulations and conventional meat, supplier concentration, and frequency of batch recalls. The study aims to quantify mislabeling prevalence and categorize adulteration types (ingredient substitution, incomplete disclosure, and allergen misrepresentation). The anticipated contribution to knowledge includes (i) a validated, scalable biochemical profiling protocol for Indian retail contexts, (ii) an empirical evidence base documenting the incidence and patterns of plant-based meat adulteration, and (iii) a framework for integrating biochemical verification into retailer quality control and regulatory audits. Conclusions will emphasize the feasibility and value of routine biochemical screening as a deterrent against adulteration and as a trust-building mechanism with consumers. Recommendations include adopting modular analytical workflows (NIRS/FTIR screening followed by targeted LC-MS/MS confirmation), implementing supplier verification protocols, mandating transparent ingredient disclosures, and strengthening regulatory guidelines for meat-alternative products. The study also suggests policy actions to enhance traceability, such as mandatory batch-level reporting and digital supply-chain records, to reduce opportunities for substitution and mislabeling in the growing Indian plant-based meat market.