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2006.
9TH INFOFISH WORLD TUNA TRADE CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION
25-27.05.2006.
Bangkok, Thailand
 
DNA TESTING FOR SPECIES IDENTIFICATION IN TUNA
Mladen Vusurovic, M.A.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this paper is to pay attention and inform the Conference about some scientific development and breakthrough in the field of DNA testing for species identification, such as PCR-SSCP and PCR-RFLP methods, that are used by various laboratories and scientific centers.Although the existing methods are able to positivly identify numerous species without any doubt, it is also important to look into the sensitivity of the analysis and on the positive interpretation of the results. It is belived that the official implementation and acceptance into practice of these methods can improve trade relation between parties, protect both sellers and buyers, and subsequently can lead to more competitive and less olygopolistic trade structure with the benefits of free trade for all, especially „small“ players. |
INTRODUCTION
It is easy to distinguish between various species of whole tuna and bonito because of their physical characteristics that are visible. However, it is much more difficult to differentiate between species after processing, when the external features have changed. The problem is therefore with canned and proceed products where there is potential for substitution either partly or wholly of one species of tuna and/or bonito with another undeclared species, especially in products wich contained coloured or flavoured sauces and other ingredients such as vegetables and sandwich filling wich are ususally prepared from canned tuna products.
Price differences between the various species of tuna, and between tuna and bonito, coupled with seasonal changes in catching, represent and impetus for reasonable concerns about the possibility of the substitution of cheaper species for more expensive ones in tuna products, without necesssary label declaration. It is the consumer who opens the cans that should be protected. The impetus lies both packer and buyer-distributor to make some unjustifiable profit, but sometimes, the packer is in the position to „cheat“ , wich will affect the relationship and very soon lead to serious problems.
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