Eurofins Food Testing UK provides DNA‑based fish speciation testing to verify seafood authenticity in fresh and processed products and detect traces of species DNA in environmental swabs. This service helps ensure that products are labelled accurately and meet applicable UK and EU requirements.
Using species‑specific PCR-RFLP, we compare the genetic profile of a sample against curated reference data to identify declared and undeclared species. Testing can be performed on a wide range of matrices; fresh, frozen, smoked, canned, or mixed‑ingredient products and environmental surface swabs.
Applications of fish speciation testing
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Confirm that fish species on product labels are accurate
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Detect substitution with undeclared or lower‑value species
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Support compliance with UK and EU marketing and labelling standards for fish and aquaculture products
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Help prevent products linked to IUU fishing from entering supply chains
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Monitor authenticity across retail, wholesale, food service, and import channels
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Provide cleaning verification for production environments
Reliable fish speciation testing using DNA analysis
DNA is extracted from the sample; target sequences are amplified by RT‑PCR using species‑specific primers and probes, or identified by DNA barcoding where appropriate. These approaches enable high‑specificity detection, including in processed products where DNA may be fragmented. Eurofins offers ISO 17025 accredited methods, where applicable, for qualitative and semi‑quantitative analysis to determine which species are present.
Advantages of using Eurofins’ fish speciation testing
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High sensitivity; detects trace levels of undeclared species, including in processed products
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Versatility; suitable for fresh, frozen, smoked, canned, and mixed‑ingredient seafood
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Compliance support; helps demonstrate alignment with UK/EU labelling and marketing requirements
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Customisable testing; target a single species or screen for multiple species in one analysis
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Proactive risk management; supports fraud prevention and supply chain integrity
Advantages of using the Eurofins network
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Global expertise, local service; access to our leading international authenticity testing network in the UK and Europe
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Advanced facilities; accredited laboratories using validated DNA methods
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Integrated services; combine fish speciation with chemical, isotope, and microbiological analysis for comprehensive authenticity assurance
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Regulatory alignment; methods developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice
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Proven track record
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Consultancy support
Contact us
For small batches, order our most routine testing from Eurofins Testing Direct.
Contact Eurofins Food Testing UK to access our full range of authenticity testing and consultancy services by submitting an enquiry or calling +44 (0)845 604 6740
