Project:

Investigating how production origin in commercially sold salmon influences COI sequence variation and detection of food fraud in

Students:

Allaa Mohamed, Zeenat Sheeri, Isabel Mateos, Mushfiq Rahman

School:

High School of Health Professions and Human Services, Manhattan

Mentors:

Chuhyon Corwin

Abstract:

This research aims to explore how the origin of wild-caught versus farmed salmon affects genetic variation in the COI gene and how this influences the detection of seafood fraud. By collecting supermarket commercialized salmon samples, sequencing their COI genes, and comparing them to verified reference sequences, we aim to see how differences in genetic diversity affect the accuracy of DNA barcoding for identifying mislabeled products. Additionally, the experiment will consider the economic impact of mislabeling, including how cheaper farmed salmon is sometimes sold as higher-priced wild salmon. By exploring both the genetic and financial aspects of salmon fraud, we aim to provide insights that could improve labeling practices, increase transparency in the seafood industry, and help consumers make informed choices.