Species identification reveals mislabeling of important fish products in Iran by DNA barcoding

Abstract

This study reports on the molecular identification of fish species from processed products which had a priori been classified as belonging to 5 important species in Iran for human consumption. DNA barcoding using direct sequencing of an approximately 650bp of mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed incorrect labeling of Narrow-barred Spanish mackerel samples. High occurrence of fraudulent fishery products, if left unchecked, can pose a negative impact on the economy. This investigation adds further concern on the trading of processed fish products in Iran from both health and conservation points of view.