Identification of Selected Tuna Species in Commercial Products

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop systems for the identification of four tuna species (skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis, yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares, bullet tuna Auxis sp. and Atlantic bonito Sarda sp). At first, raw samples of these species and a mix intended as internal control were prepared for the authentication of fish muscle tissue of the genus Thunnus sp., Auxis sp. and Sarda sp. DNA from raw muscle tissue, the mix and samples was extracted with the DNeasy mericon Food Kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany). The concentration and purity of DNA in raw samples were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Primers and probe sequences were specifically designed to identify the selected species. In addition, primers and a probe for the endogenous 12S rRNA gene were designed to determine the presence of amplifiable fish (especially tuna) DNA in samples. Furthermore, the species specificity of the designed primers and probes was verified in DNA samples of various tuna and bonito species. Limit of detection for the selected species was calculated as well as the coefficient of determination R2 and efficiency of real-time PCR testing was determined. To evaluate the developed real-time PCR methods, 70 commercial tuna products were analysed. The results show that mislabelling of fish products can still be encountered and, moreover, the presence of an additional species can be identified.