What does this research mean for the field?

DNA barcoding reveals that a significant proportion (66.7%) of imported basa fish fillets in Egyptian markets are mislabeled and replaced by Swai/Sutchi fish. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to identify mislabeling of imported frozen fish species in Egypt using DNA barcoding.

June 28, 2026Open Access

A case study for application of DNA barcoding in identifying species of some imported frozen fish fillets in Egypt

Key Points

The study aims to identify mislabeling of imported frozen fish species in Egypt using DNA barcoding.
Analyzed commercial samples of frozen fish fillets from Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt.
Sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene.
Utilized GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System databases for species identification.
Identified two species: basa fish (Pangasius bocourti) and Swai/Sutchi (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus).
Found that 66.7% of the basa fish was replaced by Swai/Sutchi fish.
Phylogenetic analysis showed high similarity of sequenced DNA to NCBI database reference sequences.

Abstract

Abstract Mislabeling of fish product is a persistent problem driven by economic incentives, complex supply chains, and weak regulations. It has significant consequences for the economy, public health, and marine conservation. The study aims to identify the fish species of some imported frozen fish fillets in Alexandria and Cairo, Egypt. Commercial samples were analyzed and sequencing of a short fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) databases revealed definitive identity matches in the range of 99.85%–100% for all imported frozen fish fillets. Sequencing of COI gene revealed two different species in the fish fillets, basa fish Pangasius bocourti and Swai/Sutchi Pangasianodon hypophthalmus . The results showed that 66.7% of the basa fish had been replaced by Swai/Sutchi fish. The phylogenetic analysis showed the sequenced DNA similar to the NCBI database reference sequence. This study revealed that the local grocery store’s imported catfish fillets were mislabeled. However, it is highly recommended that larger samples should be used in further studies to cover a greater geographic area. Meanwhile, DNA barcoding is an excellent technique for detecting how fish products are labelled in Egypt, which is crucial for enforcing quality and consumer protection.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper