Correct labeling of fish species

Eurofins Scientific, Inc., (www.eurofinsus.com) the global leader in food and feed testing,  announces that it provides the most comprehensive range of analytical testing for the fish industry  covering not only DNA-based fish species detection but also all parameters to ensure the overall  quality and safety of fish and aquaculture products.

With the increased attention of consumers towards food and health, the popularity of fish, seafood  and other products of marine origin such as algae is growing steadily. While the production of fish  and seafood from wild catches has remained rather constant, the increasing fish demand is mainly  covered by growth in aquaculture, the fastest growing animal food-producing sector (FAO 2013).  Limited availability of certain fish species may lead to substitution with other potentially less  valuable fish species.   

Recent events such as the horse meat scandal is raising awareness in the eyes of food companies  that economic adulteration not only encompasses mislabeling but also has an impact into a wider  gamut of food safety issues. Oceana recently published a study demonstrating that one third of  more than 1,200 seafood samples collected in the US were mislabeled according to US Food and  Drug Administration guidelines.   

Recent events such as the horse meat scandal is raising awareness in the eyes of food companies  that economic adulteration not only encompasses mislabeling but also has an impact into a wider  gamut of food safety issues. Oceana recently published a study demonstrating that one third of  more than 1,200 seafood samples collected in the US were mislabeled according to US Food and  Drug Administration guidelines.   

Eurofins’ comprehensive package of analytical tests does not only cover DNA-based fish species  determination but also all parameters to ensure the overall quality and safety of fish and  aquaculture products. The testing program also includes a wide range of residues and  contaminants including heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and veterinary  drugs, mainly chloramphenicol, nitrofuran-metabolites and triphenylmethane dyes.