Mislabeling in Indian seafood: An investigation using DNA barcoding

- First report on seafood mislabeling in India.
- The study indicates 22% of seafood mislabeling in Indian domestic markets.
- Zero mislabeling found in fish processing industry and imported samples.
- Major substitution is reported in restaurant samples.

Seafood mislabeling is an emerging issue in global seafood market in terms of economical as well as health concern. Among different molecular markers, DNA barcoding has been successfully applied for seafood authentication. The present study aimed to find out the level of seafood mislabeling prevailing in India using DNA barcoding. A total of 100 seafood samples including fresh, frozen, ready-to-cook, ready-to-eat and canned products were collected from different geographical locations of India. Samples were authenticated by comparing the COI gene sequences with public reference taxonomic databases. The present study reveals 22% of seafood mislabeling prevailing in Indian domestic market.