Identification of a tooth-like foreign body in swine sausage.
A tooth-like foreign body (FB) was found inside a sausage bread. Analysis aimed to investigate whether the FB was a tooth and its origin. The FB was measured, weighed, photographed, and radiographed. Macroscopic findings were suggestive of an anterior tooth. Histological slides of undecalcified cross-sections of the FB and samples of human and swine teeth were prepared. Histological features of the FB (in light microscopy, 125× magnification) were discrepant from human tissues. Compared histological analysis displayed majority of features consistent with a hypsodont swine tooth, probably a canine. Cellularized cementum in crown region, adjacent to the enamel, and shape of the cementocytes were the main criteria excluding the possibility of human origin of the FB. Scanning electronic microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy were not performed because of fewer features to be analyzed and FB size. It was concluded that the FB may have been incorporated during meat grinding of the sausage.
Laboratório de Antropologia e Odontologia Forense (OFLAB-FOUSP), Departamento de Odontologia Social, Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. dr.miamoto@gmail.com
Paulo Eduardo Miamoto
PE
Dias
Thiago Leite
TL
Beaini
Rodolfo Francisco Haltenhoff
RF
Melani
D000818:Animals; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology*; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000473:pathology; D005511:Food Handling; D005523:Food Supply; D006801:Humans; D008461:Meat Products; D008853:Microscopy; D013552:Swine