Case Studies: Where to buy fish? DNA Barcoding of fish species reveals a low rate of mislabeling in the Patagonian coasts (Argentina)

DELPIANI, G. E.; DELPIANI, S. M.; DÍAZ DE ASTARLOA, J M

Roma

Exposici�n; Expert meeting on fish fraud; 2022

FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division

Correct identification of fish species in markets is a growing concern due to the high incidence of species substitution worldwide. Before we revealed mislabelling of fish species in fishmarkets along the Buenos Aires province coast and different cities of Argentina. It is a key issue for governments and policy makers to precisely identify fishery products. This study focuses on packaged fresh fish fillets available in several fishmarkets along 3000 km of the Patagonian coast, in 11 cities of Argentina (Caleta Olivia, Comodoro Rivadavia, Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn, Puerto San Julián, Rawson, Río Gallegos, San Antonio Oeste, Trelew, Ushuaia and Viedma). We sequenced the COI gene of 106 samples from fishmongers, by means of a DNA barcode technique. The results revealed a low degree of mislabelling, confirming that only six are mislabeled, at a rate of around 6%. The highest number of substituted cases was chondrichthyans (5 of the 6 mislabeled), and was represented by Callorhinchus callorynchus, followed by the teleost Pseudopercis semifasciata. The six mislabeled species are items replaced by another species of equal or lower values. The low percentage of errors in the labeling of fish fillets may be the result of strict regulations in the surveyed region, thus resulting in greater consistency between the commercial filet products and their correct names.