Eurofins Launches DNA Testing in UK to Verify Product Authenticity

7 June 2013 --- Eurofins, the world leader in food and feed testing has launched a full service package of analytical testing, including DNA based fish and horse meat speciation testing, at its Wolverhampton laboratory to support the industry in combatting food fraud.

Further to the horse meat issues, the fish industry is now the focus  following recent media reports of fraudulent mislabelling of fish and fish products , and the publication of the results of an investigation by Oceana , the largest international organisation focused solely on ocean conservation which revealed widespread seafood fraud in the US, and accounts of similar incidents in Germany .

Eurofins Wolverhampton offers a rapid and reliable testing of fish species by PCR-RFLP accredited by UKAS allowing high-quality repeatable results. Rapid horse meat detection has also been added to the scope of PCR testing which is processing towards UKAS accreditation. Eurofins Wolverhampton is supported, via the company’s DNA competence centre in Germany which can confirm results by  RealTime PCR and DNA sequencing.

The Oceana report demonstrated that one third of more than 1,200 seafood samples collected in the US were mislabelled according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. DNA analysis allows both suppliers and consumers to have confidence in product authenticity – particularly important in luxury, high value products such as caviar.

Liz Paterson, Sales and Marketing Director at Eurofins Food Testing UK said: “Food fraud is not a new phenomenon but it is now front of mind with the on-going issues in the meat industry.  DNA based authenticity testing can be used as a tool to protect endangered fish species and to ensure the correct labelling of seafood and seafood products”.