Rapid method for controlling the correct labeling of products containing European squid (Loligo vulgaris) by fast real-time PCR

Abstract The squids are a group of cephalopods widely distributed and with high commercial value. In the present work, a fast real-time PCR was developed for the authentication of the European squid (Loligo vulgaris). This method is based on a specific primer/probe set that amplifies a fragment of t...
Ausführliche Beschreibung

Abstract The squids are a group of cephalopods widely distributed and with high commercial value. In the present work, a fast real-time PCR was developed for the authentication of the European squid (Loligo vulgaris). This method is based on a specific primer/probe set that amplifies a fragment of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS 1) ribosomal DNA region. This technique is notable for its conceptual and practical simplicity, together with its combination of speed, sensitivity and specificity in a homogeneous assay. To all this must be added the time savings produced by the fast real-time PCR due to shorter runs. The presented methodology was validated to check how the degree of food processing affects the applicability of this technique and therefore the detection of L. vulgaris. It was demonstrated that the technique can be applied to all kinds of processed products. The commercial denomination of some cephalopods, including European squids, is an important issue due to the legal gaps, since the same species has different commercial name depending on the format in the market. The methodology herein developed was applied to 42 commercial samples to evaluate the situation regarding the labeling of products made from these species. Moreover, the method can be applied to all kinds of products regardless of the degree of processing. Ausführliche Beschreibung