A system of four multiplexes has been developed and optimized to detect up to 18 animal species simultaneously. The system consists of one quadruplex making it possible to detect the most common species – cattle, pigs, and chicken – and to reveal potential inhibitors. An additional 15 meat species can be proven using another three pentaplexes. The uniqueness of the system lies not only in the multiplexing of many different samples, but also in its high sensitivity making it possible to detect 10 pg/μl of DNA or even less. Targeting specific sequences in genomic DNA instead of mitochondrial DNA represents another exclusivity of the system and further increases its specificity. The application of the system on real samples of pet foods obtained from retail showed non-declared species in up to 60% of samples. This demonstrates the great need for a precise and sensitive system for the control of food/feed adulteration and fraud. • Simultaneous detection of up to 18 meat species for the purpose of food adulteration or fraud control, with. • A unique approach of selection of specific genomic rather than mitochondrial targets. • Incorporation of internal control to assess potential inhibitors in samples. • High sensitivity allowing detection of 10 pg/μl of DNA or even less. • Testing of real feed samples from retail showed non-declared species in up to 60% of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]