Species Identification of Catfish by a Discriminating PCR-Based Diagnostic

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Species identification of catfish is necessary for the detection of inappropriately labeled products. U.S. farmed Channel catfish has ranked fifth among the top consumed fishery products since 1999. Due to its high value and immense popularity the Channel catfish is susceptible to substitution using less valuable fish species. Authenticity of catfish and catfish-like products marketed in the United States will ensure consumers are not misled about the source, safety and quality of catfish they purchase and consume. Traditionally, authentication of fishery products has been done by the generation of specific protein profiles. This technique is time-consuming, expensive and unreliable with value-added fish products. DNA-based identification techniques need to be investigated. In providing a much needed evaluation tool for catfish producers and regulators, this work also has potential to serve as the platform technology for developing diagnostics for other niche markets in the food industry experiencing similar issues of fraudulent labeling of product.