Validation of a PCR-RFLP based method for the identification of salmon species in food products

Abstract

The use of a PCR-RFLP based method for the identification of salmon species in food products was investigated. The reliability and practicality of the method was tested by a collaborative study in which five European laboratories participated. Two unknown samples (a commercial product of known species composition and a mix of two salmon species) required identification by comparison with authentic reference species. From a total of 50 cases, 100% of authentic species were correctly assigned, with all unknown samples also correctly identified. A larger scale analysis of UK commercial products was also performed spanning the whole range of salmon products available. In almost all cases the salmon species declared was confirmed, although, a trout species was detected in one product declaring only the presence of salmon. The investigation confirms the reproducibility of the method in different laboratories, and its applicability for commercial product analysis.