Organoarsenical species contents in fresh and processed seafood products

A study was carried out to determine organic species of arsenic in the main varieties of seafood consumed in the Basque country (Spain). The concentrations of arsenobetaine (AB), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), arsenocholine (AC), and tetramethylarsonium ion (TMA(+)) in 64 samples corresponding to different food items are presented. The study provides information about a possible distribution pattern of organoarsenical species in seafood products. AB was detected in all of the samples [0.3-104.1 microg g(-1) dry weight (dw)]. DMA was detected in all of the samples except squid and salted cod (0.027-1.757 microg g(-1) dw). MMA was detected only in certain fatty fish (0.004-0.028 microg g(-1) dw) and bivalves (0.031-0.047 microg g(-1) dw). AC was only present in some samples of lean fish (0.014-0.089 microg g(-1) dw), and TMA(+) was detected only in anchovy (0.039-0.169 microg g(-1) dw) and crustaceans (0.044-0.966 microg g(-1) dw).     

Daily intake of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead by consumption of edible marine species

The daily intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) through the consumption of 14 edible marine species by the general population of Catalonia, Spain, was estimated. Health risks derived from this intake were also assessed. In March-April 2005, samples of sardine, tuna, anchovy, mackerel, swordfish, salmon, hake, red mullet, sole, cuttlefish, squid, clam, mussel, and shrimp were randomly acquired in six cities of Catalonia. Concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined by ICP-MS. On the basis of recent fish and seafood consumption data, the daily intake of these elements was calculated for eight age/sex groups of the population. The highest As concentrations were found in red mullet, 16.6 microg/g of fresh weight, whereas clam and mussel (0.14 and 0.13 microg/g of fresh weight, respectively) were the species with the highest Cd levels. In turn, swordfish (1.93 microg/g of fresh weight) and mussel and salmon (0.15 and 0.10 microg/g of fresh weight) showed the highest concentrations of Hg and Pb, respectively. The highest metal intake through fish and seafood consumption corresponded to As (217.7 microg/day), Cd (1.34 microg/day), and Pb (2.48 microg/day) for male seniors, whereas that of Hg was observed in male adults (9.89 microg/day). The daily intake through fish and seafood consumption of these elements was compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI). The intakes of As, Cd, Pb, and total Hg by the population of Catalonia were below the respective PTWI values. However, the estimated intake of methylmercury for boys, 1.96 microg/kg/week, was over the PTWI.     

Organoarsenical species contents in cooked seafood

The organoarsenical species arsenobetaine (AB), arsenocholine (AC), tetramethylarsonium ion (TMA+), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) were determined in 64 cooked seafood products (fish, bivalves, squid, crustaceans) included in a Total Diet Study carried out in the Basque Country (Spain). For cooking, various treatments were employed (grilling, roasting, baking, stewing, boiling, steaming, microwaving). The results obtained show that in cooked seafood AB is the major species, followed by DMA and TMA+. AC and MMA are minor species. The results in cooked seafood were compared with the arsenic species contents obtained for the same product raw. After cooking there was an increase in DMA for sardines and bivalves and an increase or appearance of TMA+ for meagrim, anchovy, Atlantic horse mackerel, and sardine. The data provided add to the very scant information available about organoarsenical species contents in cooked seafood.     

Total and inorganic arsenic in fresh and processed fish products

Total arsenic and inorganic arsenic contents were determined in 153 samples of seafood products consumed in the Basque Country (Spain): fish (white fish and blue fish), mollusks, crustaceans, and preserved fish. White fish presented higher levels of total arsenic and lower levels of inorganic arsenic than the blue fish, indicating possible differences in the metabolization of inorganic arsenic. For total arsenic, 66% of the samples exceeded the maximum permitted level by the strictest international legislation in seafood products [1 microg g(-)(1), wet weight (ww)]. The levels of inorganic arsenic were considerably lower than the maximum authorized in New Zealand (2 microg g(-)(1), ww), the only country with legislation for inorganic arsenic in fish and fish products. It is recommended that legislation based on levels of inorganic arsenic should be established.     

Vegetables collected in the cultivated Andean area of northern Chile: total and inorganic arsenic contents in raw vegetables.

High levels of arsenic are found in the soil and water of the Second Region in Chile as a result of natural causes. Total and inorganic arsenic contents were analyzed in the edible part of 16 agricultural products (roots, stems, leaves, inflorescences, and fruits) grown in this area. The total arsenic contents varied in the range 0.008-0.604 microg g(-1) of wet weight (ww), below the maximum level allowed by Chilean legislation (1 microg(-1) of ww). Inorganic arsenic contents (range = 0.008-0.613 microg(-1) of ww) represented between 28 and 114% of total arsenic. The concentrations of total and inorganic arsenic found in edible roots and leaves were higher than those found in fruit. The highest concentrations were found in a sample of spinach. High quantities of this vegetable would have to be consumed (250 g/day) to reach the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake for inorganic arsenic. The vegetable group may make a considerable contribution to the total intake of inorganic arsenic.     

Contribution of water, bread, and vegetables (raw and cooked) to dietary intake of inorganic arsenic in a rural village of Northern Chile

Total and inorganic As contents of cooked vegetables obtained from an arsenic endemic area of Chile were analyzed. Inorganic As intake from those foods, bread, and water was estimated. The study was performed in two different periods, in which the water used by the population for drinking and cooking purposes contained 0.572 (first period) or 0.041 microg mL(-)(1) (second period). In the first period, the FAO/WHO reference intake was exceeded by all of the persons interviewed. In the second period, the reference intake was exceeded by all of the persons interviewed ages 13-15. The foods studied contributed 4% (first period) or 25% (second period) of the inorganic As intake. The results show the contribution of food to inorganic As intake and the risk to which those ages 15 or younger are exposed.     

Total and inorganic arsenic in marketed food and associated health risks for the Catalan (Spain) population

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is considered to be a human carcinogen. In this paper, total (As) and iAs contents of 215 food products and drinks (i.e., seafood, fruits and vegetables, meat products, oils and fats, rice and rice products, seasonings, and alcoholic drinks) marketed in Catalonia (Spain) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The analytical method described was used for different food products, obtaining feasible results without the need to couple LC-ICP-MS for iAs. Daily As and iAs intakes for the average adult Catalan consumer were estimated at 354 and 6.1 μg/day/person, respectively, using consumption data from the Catalan Nutrition Survey (ENCAT). The highest As content was found in seafood, contributing 96% of dietary As intake, whereas rice presented the highest iAs values, corresponding to 67% of dietary iAs intake. As cooking process may affect iAs content, boiled rice was evaluated, showing an iAs reduction (up to 86%) when using higher water volumes (30:1 water/rice ratio) than those used in previous studies. This iAs exposure was slightly below the exposure risk range stated by the European Food Safety Authority (0.3-8 μg/kg of body weight/day), although the possibility of a risk to the population with high rice consumption cannot be excluded.     

Effect of cooking temperatures on chemical changes in species of organic arsenic in seafood

The concentrations of arsenobetaine (AB), tetramethylarsonium ion (TMA(+)), and trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO) were determined in samples of sole, dory, hake, and sardine, raw and after being subjected to cooking processes--baking, frying, and grilling--at various temperatures. In all cases, the temperature attained inside the product during the cooking process was measured. The arsenic species extracted from the samples with methanol/water were separated by means of a column switching technique between a PRP-X100 column and a PRP-X200 column. AB was detected by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas TMA(+) and TMAO were detected by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results obtained showed that, in all of the types of seafood studied, TMA(+) appeared after cooking, possibly because heating facilitates decarboxylation of AB to TMA(+).     

Survey of inorganic arsenic in marine animals and marine certified reference materials by anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method for the determination of inorganic arsenic in seafood samples using high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is described. The principle of the method relied on microwave-assisted alkaline dissolution of the sample, which at the same time oxidized arsenite [As(III)] to arsenate [As(V)], whereby inorganic arsenic could be determined as the single species As(V). Anion exchange chromatography using isocratic elution with aqueous ammonium carbonate as the mobile phase was used for the separation of As(V) from other coextracted organoarsenic compounds, including arsenobetaine. The stability of organoarsenic compounds during the sample pretreatment was investigated, and no degradation/conversion to inorganic arsenic was detected. The method was employed for the determination of inorganic arsenic in a variety of seafood samples including fish, crustaceans, bivalves, and marine mammals as well as a range of marine certified reference materials, and the results were compared to values published in the literature. For fish and marine mammals, the results were in most cases below the limit of detection. For other sample types, inorganic arsenic concentrations up to 0.060 mg kg(-)(1) were found. In all samples, the inorganic arsenic content constituted less than 1% of the total arsenic content.     

Arsenic speciation in food and estimation of the dietary intake of inorganic arsenic in a rural village of West Bengal, India

Arsenic (As) species were quantified by HPLC-HG-AFS in water and vegetables from a rural area of West Bengal (India). Inorganic species predominated in vegetables (including rice) and drinking water; in fact, inorganic arsenic (i-As) represented more than 80% of the total arsenic (t-As) content. To evaluate i-As intake in an arsenic affected rural village, a food survey was carried out on 129 people (69 men and 60 women). The data from the survey showed that the basic diet, of this rural population, was mainly rice and vegetables, representing more than 50% of their total daily food intake. During the periods when nonvegetarian foods (fish and meat) were scarce, the importance of rice increased, and rice alone represented more than 70% of the total daily food intake. The food analysis and the food questionnaires administrated led us to establish a daily intake of i-As of about 170 microg i-As day (-1), which was above the tolerable daily intake of 150 microg i-As day (-1), generally admitted. Our results clearly demonstrated that food is a very important source of i-As and that this source should never be forgotten in populations depending heavily on vegetables (mainly rice) for their diet.     

Survey of total and inorganic arsenic content in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.) from Norwegian fiords: revelation of unusual high levels of inorganic arsenic

The present study reports the findings of unusual high levels of inorganic arsenic in samples of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.). A total of 175 pooled samples of blue mussels from various locations along the Norwegian coastline were analyzed for their content of total arsenic and inorganic arsenic. Total arsenic was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) following microwave-assisted acidic digestion of the samples. Inorganic arsenic was determined using an anion-exchange HPLC-ICPMS method following microwave-assisted alkaline solubilization of the samples. For the majority of the samples (78%) the concentration of total arsenic was below 3 mg kg(-1) wet weight (ww) and inorganic arsenic constituted <9% of the total arsenic (i.e., <0.25 mg kg(-1) ww). However, in some samples higher concentrations of total arsenic were found (up to 13.8 mg kg(-1) ww) and the inorganic arsenic content constituted up to 42% of the total arsenic (up to 5.8 mg kg(-1) ww). These are among the highest inorganic arsenic concentrations reported so far for marine animals. The findings of samples with concentrations of inorganic arsenic above 0.53 mg kg(-1) ww were restricted to sampling sites from two counties, Sogn and Fjordane and Hordaland, whereas samples from the rest of the country showed lower inorganic arsenic concentrations. Consumption of a meal containing 200 g of the blue mussels with the highest content of inorganic arsenic would for a 70 kg person lead to a 10% excess of the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value for inorganic arsenic of 15 microg kg(-1) of body weight week(-1).     

Determination of selenium concentration of rice in china and effect of fertilization of selenite and selenate on selenium content of rice

A method of hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry was applied to the determination of the selenium concentration of regular polished rice in China and selenium-enriched polished rice obtained by foliar application of selenium-enriched fertilizer in the forms of selenite and selenate. The average selenium content of regular rice was 0.025 +/- 0.011 microg g(-)(1). On the basis of a daily dietary rice intake of 300-500 g suggested by the China Nutrition Society, the total selenium intake from regular rice was calculated to be 7.5-12.5 microg per person per day for an adult. The selenium contents of rice were significantly increased to 0.471-0.640 microg g(-)(1) by foliar application of selenium-enriched fertilizer at rate of 20 g of Se ha(-)(1) in the forms of sodium selenite and sodium selenate. The selenium content of rice by application of a fertilizer of selenate was 35.9% higher than that by a fertilizer of selenite, which showed that Se-enriched fertilizer in selenate exhibited greater efficiency in increasing Se content in rice products. The Se-enriched rice products can increase daily Se intake on average by 100-200 microg of Se per day by the consumption of 400 g of rice products if the Se level of rice products is controlled at 0.3-0.5 microg of Se g(-)(1). Because rice is a staple food in China, selenium-enriched rice obtained by bioenrichment of selenium to increase the Se content of rice could be a good selenium source for the population in selenium-deficient regions.     

Labelling the salt content in foods: a useful tool in reducing sodium intake in Finland

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the impact of choosing food products labelled either as low or high in salt on salt intake in the Finnish adult population. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The National FINDIET 2002 survey with 48-hour recalls from 2007 subjects aged 25-64 years. Sodium intake was calculated based on the Fineli food composition database including the sodium content of natural and processed foods as well as the salt content of recipes. The distribution of salt intake was calculated in different ways: the present situation; assuming that all breads, cheeses, processed meat and fish, breakfast cereals and fat spreads consumed would be either 'lightly salted' or 'heavily salted' based on the current labelling practice; and, in addition, assuming that all foods would be prepared with 50% less or more salt. RESULTS: Excluding underreporters, the mean salt intake would be reduced by 1.8 g in men and by 1.0 g in women if the entire population were to choose lightly salted products and further by 2.5 and 1.8 g, respectively, if also salt used in cooking were halved. Choosing heavily salted products would increase salt intake by 2.1 g in men and by 1.4 g in women. In the worst scenarios, salt intake would be further increased by 2.3 g in men and by 1.6 g in women. CONCLUSIONS: These calculations show that the potential impact of labelling and giving consumers the possibility to choose products with less salt is of public health importance. In addition, strategies to reduce the salt content of all food groups are needed.     

Concentrations of arsenic,cadmium, mercury,and lead in common foods and estimated daily intake by children,adolescents, adults,and seniors of Catalonia,Spain

This study was designed to estimate the dietary intake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) by the general population of Catalonia, Spain. The concentrations of these elements were determined in food samples randomly acquired in seven cities of Catalonia between June and August 2000. A total of 11 food groups were included in the study. As, Cd, Hg, and Pb levels were measured by ICP-MS and AAS. The dietary intake of these elements was determined by a total diet study. Calculations were carried out on the basis of recent data on the consumption of the selected food items. Trace element intake was estimated for five population groups: children, adolescents, male and female adults, and seniors. The highest dietary intakes of As (223.6 microg/day), Cd (15.7 microg/day), Hg (21.2 microg/day), and Pb (28.4 microg/day) corresponded to male adults. For all analyzed elements, fish and shellfish was the group showing the highest contribution to the respective intakes. In comparison with previous results, a general decrease in As, Cd, Hg, and Pb intake has occurred. The dietary intake of these elements was also compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). Dietary intakes of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb by the population of Catalonia are currently well below the respective PTWIs.     

Identification of gadoid species in fish meat by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on genomic DNA

Identification of fish species is significant due to the increasing interest of consumers in the meat of sea fish. Methods focusing on fish species identification help to reveal fraudulent substitution among economically important gadoid species in commercial seafood products. The objective of this work was to develop a conventional PCR method for the differentiation of the following gadoid fish species in fish products: Alaska pollack ( Theragra chalcogramma), blue whiting ( Micromesistius poutassou), hake spp. ( Merluccius spp.), Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua), saithe ( Pollachius virens), and whiting ( Merlangius merlangus). The species-specific primer pairs for gadoid species determination were based on the partial pantophysin I ( PanI) genomic sequence. Sequence identification was confirmed by cloning and sequencing of the PCR products obtained from the species considered. For the simultaneous detection of Alaska pollack, blue whiting, and hake spp., a quadruplex PCR system was constructed. Other gadoid species were detected in separate PCR reactions. After optimization of the reactions, the developed PCR systems were used for the analysis of codfish samples obtained from the Czech market and the customs' laboratories. This method represents an alternative approach in the use of genomic DNA for the identification of fish species. This method is rapid, simple, and reliable without the need for further confirmative methods. Furthermore, the identification of a mixture of more than one species is possible. The PCR system has been optimized for routine diagnostic purposes.     

The iodine content of Norwegian foods and diets

OBJECTIVES: To examine dietary iodine sources and to estimate the dietary iodine intake of the Norwegian population. DESIGN: Food iodine analyses carried out in Norway during the last 10 years were compiled, and iodine intake calculated on the basis of food intake data from nation-wide dietary surveys among children and adults. The food intake of adults was measured by a self-administrated food-frequency questionnaire, which covered habitual diet during the past year. The food intake of children was measured by dietary record during four consecutive days. SETTING: Neither household nor industrial iodisation of salt is mandatory in Norway, but some brands of table salt have 5 microg of iodine added per gram of NaCl. In spite of this, the population has been considered iodine-replete for decades, i.e. having an iodine intake well above the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 150 microg day(-1). This assumption has not been substantiated by dietary surveys. SUBJECTS: The adults included 1374 females and 1298 males aged 16-79 years. The children included 185 girls and 206 boys aged 4 years, 411 girls and 404 boys aged 9 years, and 517 girls and 492 boys aged 13 years. RESULTS: The calculated iodine intake was in the range of 100-250 microg day(-1) in the majority of the adult population. The mean iodine intake was 136 microg day(-1) (170 microg I/10 MJ) among women and 176 microg day(-1) (161 microg I/10 MJ) among men. For children the iodine intake was in the range of 100-120 microg day(-1). Milk and dairy products contributed approximately 55% and 70% of the dietary iodine intake in adults and children, respectively. Fish contributed more than 20% of the iodine intake in adults and about 10% in children. The iodine contribution of drinking water was negligible. CONCLUSIONS: While fish has the highest natural concentration of iodine and as such is an excellent iodine source, milk and diary products are the main determinants of iodine intake in the Norwegian population. Iodisation of cow fodder has been mandatory in Norway since 1950 and provides an efficient alternative to universal salt iodisation. Our results show that the dietary iodine intake of adults is in the range considered to be sufficient. The dietary intake of iodine was at recommended levels among the youngest children; however, it decreased among adolescents, especially among girls.     

Food consumption patterns in an adult urban population in Beirut, Lebanon

OBJECTIVES: To investigate, measure and assess the food consumption pattern of the adult population living in Beirut, Lebanon, and to identify inadequate or excessive intake of food groups particularly linked to non-communicable diseases. DESIGN: A cross-sectional food consumption survey was conducted in 2001. Dietary habits were assessed by means of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. SETTING: Dietary survey of the urban population (Beirut). SUBJECTS: Random sample of 444 adult subjects (aged 25-54 years) in Beirut. RESULTS: The mean consumption of food by the study population was estimated to be 3,030 g day(-1), providing an energy intake of 2,523.57 kcal day(-1). Fat contributed 38.9% to the average daily energy intake, protein 13.4% and carbohydrates 47.2%. Mean consumption of fruits and vegetables was approximately 367 g day(-1) and 45.3% of subjects consumed less than the recommended 400 g daily. Cereals contributed 324.5 g day(-1), providing 35.0% of daily energy intake, with bread being the most highly consumed (146.2 g day(-1)) in this food group. The mean intake of meat and poultry products was 91.7 g day(-1) and provided 8.8% of daily energy intake, with consumption of butchery products especially beef being the highest (47.6 g day(-1)) followed by poultry (36.1 g day(-1)). A low consumption of fish was noted (19.7 g day(-1)), with 73.6% of subjects consuming less than the recommended 2 servings of fish per week. Dairy products contributed 243.1 g day(-1) or 10.9% of daily energy intake, and milk was the least consumed dairy product (56.8% of consumers). The intake of added fats and oils, excluding those in cooked recipes, was 20.4 g day(-1); olive oil was not used in cooking but was added solely at the table and its mean intake was 5 g day(-1). The consumption of butter was low (0.86 g day(-1)) and vegetable oil was the type of fat mostly used in cooking. The average intake of alcoholic beverages was low (33.6 g day(-1)), accounting for 0.7% of total energy intake. Women had significantly higher intakes of milk, dairy products, vegetables and coffee than men (P < 0.05). The percentage of women who reported the use of low-fat items was significantly higher than that of men. Younger people (25-34 years) ate significantly more meat, sugar, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, and consumed significantly less cooked vegetables and legumes, than older ones (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The rather high contribution of fat to daily energy intake, the low intake of fish and the relatively high percentage of people consuming less than the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables observed in this study suggest that the adult Lebanese population is at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, which provides the basis for recommending increased intakes of fish, particularly fatty fish, and fruits and vegetables.     

Bioavailability of inorganic arsenic in cooked rice: practical aspects for human health risk assessments

Arsenic is present in rice grain mainly as inorganic arsenic. Little is known about the effect of cooking on inorganic arsenic content in rice and its bioavailability. This study evaluated total arsenic and inorganic arsenic in rice cooked with arsenic-contaminated water, the bioaccessibility of As(III) and As(V) after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and the extent of arsenic retention and transport by Caco-2 cells used as a model of intestinal epithelia. After cooking, inorganic arsenic contents increase significantly. After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the bioaccessibility of inorganic arsenic reached 63-99%; As(V) was the main species found. In Caco-2 cells, arsenic retention, transport, and total uptake (retention + transport) varied between 0.6 and 6.4, 3.3 and 11.4, and 3.9 and 17.8%, respectively. These results show that in arsenic endemic areas with subsistence rice diets, the contribution of inorganic arsenic from cooked rice should be considered in assessments of arsenic health risk.     

Lipid [corrected] classes, fatty acids, and sterols in seafood from Gilbert Bay, southern labrador

Seafood from Gilbert Bay, southern Labrador, was sampled for lipid classes, fatty acid, and sterol composition. Gilbert Bay is a proposed Marine Protected Area, and the composition of seafood from this region is interesting from both human health and ecological perspectives. Analyses included four species of bivalves and flesh and liver samples from four fish species. Lipids from a locally isolated population of northern cod (Gadus morhua) were also compared to lipids from other cod populations. Lipid classes were analyzed by Chromarod/Iatroscan TLC-FID, fatty acids by GC, and sterols by GC-MS. Three cod populations had similar levels of total lipid per wet weight (0.6%) with triacylglycerols (TAG), sterols, and phospholipids comprising on average 13, 11, and 51%, respectively, of their total lipids. Fatty fish such as capelin and herring contained on average 8.4% lipid with 86% present as TAG. Fish livers from cod and herring showed opposite trends, with cod having elevated lipid (27%) and TAG (63%) and herring containing only 3.8% lipid and 20% TAG. Shellfish averaged 0.6% lipid; however, significant lipid class differences existed among species. Fatty acid analysis showed few significant differences in cod populations with on average 57% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 18% monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and 24% saturated fatty acids (SFA). Cod livers had lower PUFA (34%) and elevated MUFA (44%) relative to flesh. Bivalves averaged 25% SFA, 18% MUFA, and 57% PUFA, whereas scallop adductor muscle had the highest PUFA levels (63%). Bivalves contained 20 different sterols with cholesterol present as the major sterol (19-39%). trans-22-Dehydrocholesterol, brassicasterol, 24-methylenecholesterol, and campesterol individually accounted for >10% in at least one species. High levels of PUFA and non-cholesterol sterols observed in Gilbert Bay seafood demonstrate their positive attributes for human nutrition.     

Detection of mislabeling in hake seafood employing mtSNPs-based methodology with identification of eleven hake species of the genus Merluccius

Species-specific DNA-based tags are valuable tools for the management of both fisheries and commercial fish products. Eleven hake species of the genus Merluccius have been identified employing mtSNPs-based methodology. The method is highly reproducible, fast, and technically easy. It is a reliable tool, allowing for routine analysis of commercial seafood. It can be applied by nonexperts in genetics because both laboratory handling and interpretation of results are easy and direct. The convenience of routine surveys in fish markets has been clearly established with a survey of commercial hake batches imported in south Europe. A total of 40 commercial processed hake were analyzed in this study. More than 20% of mislabeling has been detected.