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.