When delivered a plate of fresh, pricey grouper are you really getting what you paid for?
Once a fish is filleted, it’s hard to tell the difference between a piece of farm-raised tilapia and a freshly caught grouper.
Oceana conducted a two-year study in 2010 to discover the true identities of 1,200 seafood samples from 674 retailers across 21 states. The results showed that 33 percent of the seafood sampled was mislabeled nationwide.
A new technology was developed by scientists at USF’s College of Marine Science in February to help tackle this fraudulent fish epidemic. The handheld device, GrouperChek, also referred to as the QuadPyre RT-NASBA, is capable of detecting fish fraud within 45 minutes. Tests with similar technology used to take days to deliver the same results.
The test can be done anywhere as long as a laptop is available. It’s portability is ideal because it allows for detection to be done on a ship or dock, or in a restaurant or grocery store.
The small black box hooks up to a laptop and, with just a pinch of grouper tissue, it begins going to work. Simply put, the results will either show a rising fluorescent light means the grouper is legit, or a flat, dull line meaning it is something else. The sample of fish can be raw or cooked.
Lead scientist of GrouperCheck and distinguished USF marine science professor Dr. John Paul told The Crow’s Nest that the creation of GrouperChek took roughly two-and-a-half years to come to life.
“It is a new technology for a new market,” Dr. Paul said.
Grouper was chosen as the first fish for testing due to its popularity and typically high price tag. However, it is already working on expanding testing for other fish like tuna, red snapper and shrimp.
The device has received a great deal of attention the last three months. Many news outlets have reported on the technology, and a number of calls have come in with an interest to buy the GrouperChek.
According to Paul, calls have been coming in worldwide from countries such as Indonesia, Spain and Alustria. Also, the Discovery Channel has expressed interest in running a special about the new creation.
GrouperChek is not yet on the market, but Paul said he is ready to start taking orders. He hopes the device will be ready to send out to consumers next month.
“Now we are in the fast lane,” Dr. Paul said.
The device will sell for roughly $1,999. Their target market includes the Food and Drug Administration, U.S Department of Agriculture, U.S Border Patrol, and fisheries and restaurants.
“We listen to the end user,” Paul said. “I think we’ve incorporated everything they need.”
GrouperChek’s cutting edge technologically and capabilities will help consumers know what they are buying and eating.
The short-term plan for the technology is to keep making it cheaper, quicker and better for consumers. Dr. Paul said his long-term goal is to use this technology to help detect certain types of diseases and cancers within people through bloodwork.
