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Species Identification of Catfish by a Discriminating PCR-Based Diagnostic

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2003-33610-13024
Agency Tracking Number: 2003-00310
Amount: $75,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
3610 NW 42nd Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32606
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 LeeAnn Applewhite
 Vice President
 (352) 376-9762
 aplsci@bellsouth.net
Business Contact
 LeeAnn Applewhite
Title: Vice-President, Research and Development
Phone: (352) 376-9762
Email: aplsci@bellsouth.net
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Species identification of catfish is necessary for the detection of inappropriately labeled products. U.S. farmed Channel catfish has ranked fifth among the top consumed fishery products since 1999. Due to its high value and immense popularity the Channel catfish is susceptible to substitution using less valuable fish species. Authenticity of catfish and catfish-like products marketed in the United States will ensure consumers are not misled about the source, safety and quality of catfish they purchase and consume. Traditionally, authentication of fishery products has been done by the generation of specific protein profiles. This technique is time-consuming, expensive and unreliable with value-added fish products. DNA-based identification techniques need to be investigated. In providing a much needed evaluation tool for catfish producers and regulators, this work also has potential to serve as the platform technology for developing diagnostics for other niche markets in the food industry experiencing similar issues of fraudulent labeling of product.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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