DNA barcoding reveals a high level of mislabeling in Egyptian fish fillets

Accurate identification of seafood species in the markets is a growing concern due to the high incidence of species substitution at international level. It is a prime priority for governments to be able to identify the already processed fish products (fish fillets). In this context, DNA barcoding was applied to ascertaining species in fish fillets (tilapia, Nile perch and panga) purchased from Egyptian markets. Ninety commercial samples were analyzed. Sequencing of a short fragment of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene revealed 33.3% species substitution in the fish fillets analyzed, 50% Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and 50% basa fish (Pangasius bocourti) being replaced by imported Vietnamese tra fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). These results demonstrate that DNA barcoding is a reliable tool for detecting fish products adulteration in Egypt. We recommend its use for control and law enforcement of seafood quality.