This document specifies minimum requirements of performance characteristics for the detection of nucleic acid sequences (DNA) by molecular methods, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including different post-PCR detection methods, real-time PCR, single and/or multiple probe-based detection techniques as well as the combination of such methods. The document is applicable to the detection, identification and quantification of DNA from animal species of higher and lower taxonomic groups in foodstuffs, and the validation of applicable methods. It is applicable to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, molluscs, crustaceans and insects. Typical examples for each are listed in Annex A.