swordfish substitution (1)

 

9703913452?profile=RESIZE_584xChilean researchers have carried out a survey of misdescription and fraud in the sale of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) in Santiago's fish and open-air markets.  DNA barcoding was used for taxonomic identification of swordfish and shark species. Forty seven headless, gutted and fin-removed samples sold as swordfish were collected from the fish and open-air markets. Most of the samples (91.5%) were correctly described as swordfish, but 6.4% were identified as porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) and 2.1% as shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus). No substitution was found in supermarket samples. These shark species are classified as vulnerable and endangered (IUCN), respectively, and listed in Appendix II (CITES). The authors have recommended stronger fish labelling rules and enforcement in Chile to improve shark conservation.

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