Objective To develop a specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for identification of hogwash oil. Methods Gene sequences specific for pork, beef, mutton, chicken, mammal and rice-specific gene were used as targets for identification of hogwash oil by PCR and fluorescent PCR methods. Results Six home-made crude swill oil samples were all identified as hogwash oil, 5 in 7 suspected swill oil samples were identified as hogwash oil, and no hogwash oil was detected in 4 normal edible vegetable oil samples. Conclusion Gene sequences specific for animal and rice-specific gene mixed in hogwash oil were used as targets; and hogwash oil could be effectively identified by the established PCR and fluorescent PCR methods.