Application of FINS and multiplex PCR for detecting genuine abalone products

Abalones rank first on the list of the four treasures from the sea in Chinese cuisine. It is regarded as a tonic for yin-enrichment and nourishing the lungs and liver. Hong Kong is a major entrepôt of abalones, importing 48% of the global production volume. Rapid detection of substitutes in abalone products is essential for safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring proper delivery of healthcare. Two molecular tools are applied to authenticate abalone products. Firstly, forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) analysis based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA region of abalone products retailed in Hong Kong revealed that all sliced and one canned products matched the sequences of other gastropods but not Haliotis species, suggesting the presence of substitutions. Secondly, multiplex PCR with a Haliotis-specific primer was used to facilitate rapid and reliable exclusion of substitutes from abalone products.

► FINS analysis on 16S rDNA region was used to authenticate Hong Kong abalone products. ► The results showed that all sliced and one canned products did not match Haliotis species. ► Then, multiplex PCR with a Haliotis-specific primer was developed. ► This PCR method can rapidly and reliably exclude abalone substitutes.