GemFish

Ruvettus pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum belong to the family Gempylidae. Both of them are species of big dimension, often caught during species fishing, such as tunas and swordfishes. Characterized by a high level of complex lipids, particularly wax esters, they are responsible for a toxic effect defined oily diarrhoea. For this reason many Countries, among whichEurope, have introduced legislation that regulates their marketing. In fact, this two species are often sold as slices and fillets and for this reason a “mislabelling” could occur. The aim of this project is to develop a multiplex PCR for the identification of Gemfish and other species  among those frequently mis-labeled on the market. The method will be available for use by private companies and government in Italy and elsewhere to improve consumer confidence in seafood supplies and the regulation of the fishing industry.

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PUBLICATIONS

Giusti, A., Castigliego, L., Rubino, R., Gianfalodni, D., Guidi, A., & Armani, A. (2016). A Conventional Multiplex PCR assay for the detection of toxic Gemfish species (Ruvettus pretiosus and Lepidocybium flavobrunneum): a simple method to combat health frauds. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 64 (4), pp 960–968