​Increased awareness of widespread food fraud in the fish industry has created growing public concern over the authenticity of fish and seafood products. A large-scale seafood fraud investigation by Oceana, published February 21st, 2013 revealed extensive fish mislabeling throughout the US:  33 percent of the 1,215 fish samples collected were mislabeled.

Increased awareness of widespread food fraud in the fish industry has created growing public concern over the authenticity of fish and seafood products. A large-scale seafood fraud investigation by Oceana, published February 21st, 2013 revealed extensive fish mislabeling throughout the US:  33 percent of the 1,215 fish samples collected were mislabeled.

Globalization of the food supply and the growing complexity of the supply chain have made it increasingly difficult to trace the origin of seafood.  Testing to verify the species of seafood helps producers and suppliers maintain consumer confidence in their products by providing evidence for accurate labeling.

DNA testing for fish species identification will become increasingly necessary as concern for public safety heightens the demand for verified seafood product. To meet the demand for authenticated fish and seafood products, FoodChain ID Testing includes seafood testing as part of their Food Authenticity Program.

In addition to DNA testing, the Food Authenticity Program’s customized approach offers brand protection through risk management. The risk of seafood mislabeling is mitigated by a process that begins with a thorough examination of product portfolio vulnerabilities and identification of relevant threats to the food chain. The client is guided through an individualized consultation program to proactively reduce the likelihood of a mislabeling occurrence.

According to Dr. Heather Secrist, FoodChain ID Testing CEO, the program addresses the need for a system that is flexible, customized, cost-effective, and able to answer the important questions of integrity and safety in the food supply chain. “We understand the challenges that the food industry currently faces regarding food integrity and we are able to employ state-of-the-art technologies to assist in verifying seafood authenticity.  We offer this as a stand-alone service and as part of our Food Authenticity Program.  With our extensive experience in food integrity testing and consulting, FoodChain ID Testing is uniquely suited to provide the services that are required in order to successfully tackle this important issue,” says Dr. Secrist.
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