Detection of mislabelling in the fresh potato retail market employing microsatellite markers

DNA analysis of fresh tubers collected in different years and locations in Spain under suspicion of fraud showed more than 50% of mislabelling. A second study with samples collected at random showed more than 20% of mislabelling. Mislabelling was detected both in samples with national and foreign origin, suggesting this problem could be not exclusive of the Spanish potato market. Two microsatellite markers (SSR) primer sets were used to compare the genotypes of the samples with the genotypes of stated controls. SSR showed to be a helpful, affordable and easy-to-use tool for food traceability.