Novel real-time PCR method based on growth hormone gene for identification of Salmonidae ingredient in food

J Agric Food Chem. 2013 May 29;61(21):5170-7. doi: 10.1021/jf400769y. Epub 2013 May 20.

Abstract

To avoid fraudulent substitutions in fish markets, the proper methods are needed to test the authenticity of the ingredients. As a preferable methodology, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method was used in this study to identify species from the Salmonidae family based on the salmon growth hormone gene. Fish samples of six genera from the Salmonidae family were tested to identify the specificity, sensitivity, and applicability of the established method. Results showed that the method was highly specific for salmonid detection. Ct values were obtained only from 31 Salmonidae fish species samples. The relative and absolute limits of detection were 0.01% and 25 pg of genomic DNA, respectively, which could meet with the requirements of routine detections. To test the applicability of the method, the content of salmonid ingredients in 16 commercial food products was quantified from standard curves constructed from DNA of two Salmonidae species. The results revealed that the salmonid ingredient was detected in 12 samples, indicating that 25% of the labels are inauthentic. These results demonstrate that the developed qPCR method is suitable for identification of Salmonidae ingredients.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fish Proteins / genetics*
  • Food Contamination / analysis*
  • Growth Hormone / genetics*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Salmonidae / classification
  • Salmonidae / genetics*
  • Seafood / analysis*

Substances

  • Fish Proteins
  • Growth Hormone