Label analysis and molecular identification of Japanese Seafood Products purchased on Chinese e-commerce

Sushi and sashimi are seafood products that are widely consumed around the world, including also China. Currently they are also sold through alternative channels such as e-commerce. In this study, 60 Japanese Seafood Products (JSPs) suitable for sushi and sashimi preparations (fish meat or roe), purchased in Chinese e-commerce, were analyzed. Initially, the trade name accuracy and the compliance of the labeling with the Chinese standard for pre-packaged food were evaluated. Then, the species composition of the JSPs was assessed by the molecular analysis of two genetic targets (COI and cytb). Finally, the results of the molecular analysis were compared with the trade name reported on the label, and the mismatching rate (MR) was calculated. None of the JSPs labels analyzed reported the scientific name of the species. Sixteen different trade names were found, of which only 37.5% could be assigned to a taxonomic level (species or genus). In the other cases umbrella terms were used. Overall, 66.7% of the JSPs were fully compliant with the Chinese standard. Eighty-seven percent of the JSPs were molecularly authenticated to species level. Overall, an MR of 11.7% was observed. The mismatched JSPs were labelled as "Snapper", "Herring roe" and "Bigeye tuna". The use of umbrella trade names can facilitate the placing on the market of species involved in traceability, economic and sustainability issues. In fact, some of the recovered species were listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. DNA analysis was once again proved as an efficient tool to unmask and fight seafood frauds.