Background: This study used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits to investigate the presence of central nervous system (CNS) tissue in commercial raw and processed traditional Turkish meat products offered for consumption in various markets. Results: Ninety-six raw traditional Turkish meat products (32 fresh raw beef patties, 32 cig kofta, 32 pastirma) and 64 processed traditional Turkish meat products (32 doner kebabs and 32 fresh processed beef patties) were analysed. CNS tissue was not found in pastirma, doner kebab, or fresh processed beef patty samples. The levels of CNS contamination in fresh raw beef patties were low (0.1% absorbance standard; 3.1%) and moderate (0.2% absorbance standard; 6.2%). The level of contamination in the cig kofta was low (0.1% absorbance standard; 18.8%). Conclusion: CNS tissue was present in all raw traditional Turkish meat products except for pastirma. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.