Result description
The adapted DNA technique is based on the use of HRMA of short, amplified fragments from the main barcode genes used for fish identification (Cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1, and Cytochrome b regions). The technique enables the discrimination of species according to their melting profile and subsequent identification when compared to profile standards. Two sets of primers are included in the tool’s design, allowing for discrimination of eight species in the salmonid family: Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta), chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) and chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). The analysis can be completed in under 70 minutes and has been validated by three labs in Portugal, Belgium and Poland.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Collaboration
We wish to share our results with industry organisations that can use the tool to monitor correct labelling of seafood and monitoring agencies to support the implementation of conservation and environmental management schemes.
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Research and Technology Organisations
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
DNA-based methods increasingly play a role in food safety control and food corruption detection. One such method, High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis, is a relatively new strategy used to identify variations in the DNA sequence. Its simplicity, flexibility, low cost, sensitivity and specificity make it the tool of choice for species authentication. This research adapted a procedure of HRM analysis as a fine-tuning technique to authenticate salmon species, verifying whether claims of species indication are correct. The technique enables the rapid identification and differentiation of eight salmonid species based on DNA sequence variants
The tool has been fully scientifically validated. An interlaboratory validation and market survey was carried out in Portugal, Poland and Belgium, and the tool was tested on retail samples. Further analysis of primer and standards shelf life and reagent supply must be carried out before final commercialisation.
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by BIOREX FOOD DIAGNOSTICS LIMITED
