DNA barcoding and mini-barcoding in authenticating processed animal-derived food: A case study involving the Chinese market

Food Chem. 2020 Mar 30:309:125653. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125653. Epub 2019 Oct 16.

Abstract

This study used DNA barcoding and DNA mini-barcoding to test a variety of animal-derived food products sold in the Chinese market for potential mislabeling. Samples (52) including meat, poultry, and fish purchased from retail and online sources were examined. Regions of cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) gene (~650 bp) and 16S rRNA (~220 bp) were used as full- and mini-barcode markers, respectively. Approximately 94% (49 of 52) of the samples generated barcode sequences. The failure rate for full COI full-barcodes was 44%, but we obtained the 16S rRNA mini-barcode from 87% of the COI-failed cases. Overall, the survey revealed that 23% (12 of 52) of animal-derived products were mislabeled and, in most cases, contain undeclared species. Thus, regulatory measures and continuous monitoring for mislabeling of animal-derived products should be conducted.

Keywords: Animal-derived food; DNA barcoding; Food authenticity; Mini-barcoding; Species identification.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • China
  • DNA / analysis*
  • DNA / isolation & purification
  • DNA / metabolism
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods*
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / analysis
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / genetics
  • Electron Transport Complex IV / metabolism
  • Fishes / genetics*
  • Meat / analysis
  • Poultry / genetics*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / analysis
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • DNA
  • Electron Transport Complex IV