Development of a Method for the Genetic Identification of Commercial Bivalve Species Based on Mitochondrial 18S rRNA Sequences

In this study a genetic methodology based on the amplification of an 18S rRNA fragment by PCR and phylogenetic analysis of the obtained DNA sequences was developed. This technique allows the genetic identification of more than 50 bivalve species in fresh, frozen, precooked and canned products. The developed method was applied to 30 commercial samples to check their labeling, showing that 12 samples were incorrectly labeled (40%). Therefore, the proposed methodology is appropriate to study questions related to the correct labeling and traceability of commercial products and the control of imported bivalves and fisheries in order to guarantee the protection of consumers’ rights and verify the transparency of the extractive and transforming industries.