Development of real-time PCR assays for the detection of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in complex food samples

We have developed species-specific real-time PCR assays for the identification of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) in food products. The species-specific assays, comprising a set of primers and probe for each species, were designed using genomic genes (pantophysin for Atlantic cod, growth hormone for Atlantic salmon and parvalbumin for European plaice) which were then optimised for specificity and selectivity. The sensitivity and the effect of heat and pressure on amplification efficiency were then determined for each assay. These assays were then used to analyse DNA extracted from commercial fish products and model food samples spiked with each of the fish species. The target species was successfully identified in all samples analysed, demonstrating the applicability of these assays to the analysis of food products.