Species misrepresentation and antibiotic-tainted imported shrimp are persistent issues faced by American shrimpers. Our teams’ studies reveal up to 96% of shrimp species misrepresentation, which is economically damaging the domestic shrimp industry. Current methods for identifying shrimp species, (i.e., DNA barcoding) takes 3-5 days and is expensive, costing $100-$200 per sample. Furthermore, only a few labs can test for antibiotic residues, with costs ranging from $1500-$3000 per sample. The overall goal is: (1) To develop a duplex PCR-lateral flow assay for detecting two commonly imported shrimp species: Pacific white shrimp and tiger shrimp. (2) To enhance Florida State University’s research capacity in performing antibiotic residue testing. We will achieve these goals by standardizing a highly precise RNase H-dependent PCR coupled lateral flow (rhPCR-LF) assay. We will test the applicability of this standardized assay using samples collected from restaurants across 10 major cities in Florida. Additionally, we will standardize the mass spectrometry methods for the detection of nitrofuran, -lactam antibiotics, oxytetracycline, and chloramphenicol in shrimp. This project will be performed in partnership with seafood industry stakeholders assisting with project execution, and mass communication. Findings from this study will lead to (1) the standardization of a duplex assay for identifying Pacific white shrimp and tiger shrimp, which can be used by enforcement labs. (2) Establishment of an infrastructure easily accessible to stakeholders for testing antibiotics in shrimp. Standardized methods will enable the rapid identification of shrimp fraud and antibiotic residue, improve demand for domestic shrimp, and generate data for supporting shrimp-labelling legislation.
Dr. Prashant Singh (PI, FSU); researchers from FSU and Florida Sea Grant.
