SPECIES SUBSTITUTION OF RETAIL SNAPPER FILLETS

Abstract

ABSTRACT A total of 121 retail market snapper fillets were collected throughout Florida and tested for compliance with labeling regulations. Samples were identified as to species by isoelectric focusing techniques against 12 authentic snapper species. Of the 81 red snapper samples, 24 (30%) were confirmed as real red snapper ( Lutjanus campechanus ), while 57 (70%) were mislabeled. Most of the other snapper species were correctly labeled. The major substitute for red snapper was scarlet snapper ( Lutjanus sanguineus ), an imported red‐skin Pacific snapper species. Nomenclature of fish sold in the market is confusing since the same species of fish is frequently sold by several different names.