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“ Sushi-gate 2008”: High School students apply DNA barcoding

High school students in NYC use DNA barcoding to analyze fish species sold in their neighborhood. Their research report reveals that 25% of the fish is mislabeled. This study, known as "Sushi-gate," gains widespread attention from news outlets and draws public interest. The students collect specimens, prepare samples, record data, and send them for DNA sequencing at the University of Guelph. They upload the sequence data on the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD) and search for identical or closely-related sequences. The students discover mislabeling of various fish, such as Nile Perch sold as Red Snapper and Mozambique Tilapia sold as White Tuna. Mislabeled items were found in grocery stores, fish markets, and restaurants. The project showcases the potential of DNA barcoding in identifying mislabeled fish and highlights the need for increased consumer awareness.

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“ Sushi-gate 2008”: High School students apply DNA barcoding

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  1. “Sushi-gate 2008”: High School students apply DNA barcoding to fish sold in their NYC neighborhood, discover one-quarter is mislabeled Can DNA name this fish? Research report by students Kate Stoeckle and Louisa Strauss published in Pacific Fishing September 2008

  2. “Sushi-gate” draws wide interest Chosun Ilbo (Korean Daily News)circulation 2.2 million The New York Times August 21, 2008, page 1 CBS Early Show August 23, 2008

  3. Analyzing Sushi-gate fish samples DNA sequencing at University of Guelph    1. Collect specimens 2. Prepare samples 3. Record data 4. Send for analysis Barcode of Life Database (BOLD): www.barcodinglife.org   BOLD project “Fish Market Survey” 5. Upload specimen, sequence data on BOLD 5. Search databases for identical or closely-related sequences 6. Learn more on FishBase, other

  4. Mislabelings were as more expensive or more desirable fish Red Snapper “Red Snapper” DNA ID: Nile Perch to scale FishBase: D Flescher FishBase: John Casselman Range map: FishBase Range map: FishBase Among 60 items tested: -Nile Perch (Africa), Lavender Jobfish (SE Asia), Slender Pinjalo (SE Asia), and Acadian Redfish (N Atlantic) sold as “Red Snapper” -Mozambique Tilapia sold as “White Tuna” -Smelt Roe sold as “Flying Fish Roe” -Caribbean Spotted Goatfish sold as “Mediterranean Red Mullet” -White Bass (farmed freshwater fish) sold as “Sea Bass” Mislabeled items were sold in 6 of 10 grocery stores/fish markets and 2 of 3 restaurants

  5. DNAHouse: 2009 student project exploring urban environment with DNA barcoding ? ? Unexplored territory? Acknowledgments The Trinity School Kate Stoeckle Louisa Strauss The Rockefeller University Jesse Ausubel Mark Stoeckle University of Guelph Robert Hanner Eugene Wong Fish Barcode of Life Initiative

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