Using a COI mini-barcode and real-time PCR (qPCR) for sea turtle identification in processed food

The worldwide regulations protect sea turtles, nevertheless, the illicit consumption of their by-products keeps them as endangered species. In Mexico, its meat is used illegally to prepare food and in recent years this has caused a huge problem for control agencies. Analytical methods used for species detection in food are affected due to changes in the protein structure or degradation of DNA after heat treatment. The present work aimed to use a mini-barcode based on the COI gene (MBCOI) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for sea turtle identification in processed foods. The MBCOI-qPCR showed high specificity without any cross-reactions, the limit of detection was 1 pg using processed turtle DNA with a PCR efficiency of 101.9%. This study demonstrated the ability to estimate up to 1% of processed sea turtles, which could be considered as a tool to stop the illegal trade and consumption of sea turtles. Novelty impact statement: Sea turtles are endangered species however their meat is consumed illegally in Mexico in a dish known as sea turtle soup. This study presents the development of a novel method combining a mini-barcode and real-time polymerase chain reaction capable to detect and estimate sea turtles in processed foods. Our results suggest that the method described herein could be an important tool to detect those involved in the illegal consumption and protect sea turtle species.