They develop a method to authenticate the species of canned tuna in 24 hours

They develop a method to authenticate the species of canned tuna in 24 hours

Researchers from the Basque center AZTI-Tecnalia create a methodology that surpasses genetic methods, which required several days to reach conclusive results

   AZTI-Tecnalia, a technological center specialized in marine and food research, has developed a new method to authenticate canned tuna. This method allows to detect in 24 hours if the product is northern bonito, 'yellow fin' or bigeye.

Until now, genetic methodologies to establish DNA required several days to obtain a conclusive result. The innovative methodology is of great interest for the canning industry and is a tool that can help to authenticate what is stated in the labeling.

The changes in the production processes have meant a revolution in the canning industry, since nowadays, the preserves are produced, in many cases, from frozen tuna loins that are imported. These loins, without skin, present enormous advantages in terms of productivity and yield of the processes, however, sometimes, given the difficulty of differentiating the species visually errors in the labeling of the conserve occur.

The DNA detection system of canned and processed tuna developed by the Molecular Biology Laboratory of AZTI-Tecnalia, which differentiates different species even in processed foods, has been accredited by the National Accreditation Entity (ENAC). The AZTI-Tecnalia method provides, in addition to speed, reliable and conclusive results. The new method is, therefore, a great opportunity to ensure that products are labeled correctly and to guarantee quality to consumers.

DNA technology

Canning authentication methodologies are generally based on the detection of DNA fragments from any type of processed fish sample, including canned fish. These methods, called genetic, are very reliable but have the disadvantage that in most cases they require several days to achieve a conclusive result. However, the innovative AZTI-Tecnalia system, based on fluorescent probes, allows a precise result to be obtained within 24 hours.

The Molecular Biology Laboratory of AZTI-Tecnalia continues to work on the development of new authentication methodologies for different marine species in order to offer the fishing and canning industry effective tools to ensure their traceability systems. Using DNA technology, the specialists of the technology center can genetically identify the Cantabrian anchovy and the bonito of the north, among other fish. It also has systems to authenticate the variety of Arabica coffee, cheeses with protected designation of origin, juices and meat mixtures, among other food products.