Considering that seafood mislabeling has been widely reported throughout the world and that the authentication
of food components is one of the key issues in food safety, quality and sustainability, the aim
of this study was to use DNA barcoding to investigate the prevalence of mislabeling among fish fillet
products from markets and supermarkets located in Apulia (SE Italy). The study reveals a high degree of
species mislabeling in fish fillet products. In particular, this study shows that the labels of only 32/200 fish
fillet samples provided comprehensive information relating to commercial designation, scientific name,
geographical area, production method and whether previously frozen. The labeling of other samples was
not compliant with European legislation. Indeed, the scientific name, which must also be indicated from
1st January 2012, according to Article 68 of EU Commission Implementing Regulation No. 404/2011, was
missing in 157/168 samples, the geographical area was missing in 152/168, while the commercial designation
and the production method were reported in all samples. Furthermore, results from molecular
investigations reveal a high occurrence of incorrect species declaration in fish fillet products. The commercial
and/or scientific name declared failed to match the species identified in 164/200 (82%) samples.
The study also highlighted that threatened, Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered
(CR) species considered to be facing a high risk of extinction has been used in the place of commercial
species. This study thus provides further evidence of the need for increased traceability and assessment
of food product authenticity. Additionally, traceability may improve the management of hazards related
to fish safety, as well as guaranteeing product authenticity, providing reliable information to customers,
enhancing supply-side management and improving product quality and sustainability.
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