Molecular Barcoding: A Tool to Guarantee Correct Seafood Labelling and Quality and Preserve the Conservation of Endangered Species

Abstract

The recent increase in international fish trade leads to the need for improving the traceability of fishery products. In relation to this, consistent monitoring of the production chain focusing on technological developments, handling, processing and distribution via global networks is necessary. Molecular barcoding has therefore been suggested as the gold standard in seafood species traceability and labelling. This review describes the DNA barcoding methodology for preventing food fraud and adulteration in fish. In particular, attention has been focused on the application of molecular techniques to determine the identity and authenticity of fish products, to discriminate the presence of different species in processed seafood and to characterize raw materials undergoing food industry processes. In this regard, we herein present a large number of studies performed in different countries, showing the most reliable DNA barcodes for species identification based on both mitochondrial (COI, cytb, 16S rDNA and 12S rDNA) and nuclear genes. Results are discussed considering the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques in relation to different scientific issues. Special regard has been dedicated to a dual approach referring to both the consumer’s health and the conservation of threatened species, with a special focus on the feasibility of the different genetic and genomic approaches in relation to both scientific objectives and permissible costs to obtain reliable traceability.

A First Look at Genetic Diversity of Metapenaeus ensis Populations in Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon, Vietnam

“…8,24 This technique has been widely applied in various domains, including biodiversity research, conservation, management of aquatic ecosystems, and ensuring the accuracy of seafood labeling and quality. 25,26 Notably, the mitochondrial COI gene can form the cornerstone of a global bioidentification system for animals. 26 Comparative analyses utilizing GenBank BLASTn and BOLD search engines consistently demonstrate the COI gene's efficacy in identifying species with authenticated reference sequence data.…”

Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017: A new threat to Iberian inland waters

“…Tissue DNA Kit (Omega Bio‐Tek) and following the manufacturer's protocol. A fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene, which displays great variability among species and very low within species (Filonzi et al., 2023 ), was amplified using the universal primers LCO1490 and HCO2198 (Folmer et al., 1994 ) by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a total reaction volume of 40 μL. The reaction mixture contained 2.5 μL template DNA, 2.5 μL of 25 mM MgCl 2 , 4 μL of 2.5 mM dNTPs, 1 μL of 10 μM primers, 0.15 μL Taq polymerase (GoTaq® G2 Flexi DNA Polymerase 5 U/μL) and 8 μL of 5x Buffer GoTaq® Promega (1× final concentration).…”

Molecular identification of whole squids and calamari at fairs and markets in regions of Latin America

“…In this way, the applicability of molecular methods can help in the correct identification of the species being commercialized, which can reveal not only economic losses due to substitutions, as well as identify commercialization's of species that may pose health risks (Von der Hayden et al 2010) or the presence of endangered species with prohibited capture, fishing and landing status, making it necessary to use appropriate tools to confirm product labeling and avoid commercial fraud (Barbuto et al 2010). Reliable molecular tools for barcoding DNA analysis have been developed to protect consumers from food frauds and health hazards and to improve the monitoring of endangered species due to overfishing and illegal commercial activities (Filonzi et al 2023).…”