A team of scientists from the MARE and CE3C research centers has discovered which tuna species are most used by the Portuguese canned tuna industry. This, despite Portugal being one of the largest per capita consumers of canned tuna in Europe.
In a paper published recently in the journal Scientific Reports, the team reveals that, through molecular sequencing methods capable of identifying with precision the species present in canned products, the skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is the predominant species in all seven Portuguese brands (not disclosed) and types of canned products analyzed.
In addition to this, other species were detected as well, such as bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and species of the genus Auxis that the authors say are not “true tuna”.
Another relevant finding was the detection of multiple species within the same can across four distinct brands, a practice that the researchers say violates current European legislation.
“This study represents the first comprehensive molecular portrait of the Portuguese tuna canning industry, revealing not only which species reach the consumer but also the risks associated with imprecise labeling,” details Ana Rita Vieira, the article’s first author, on the MARE website.
The researcher adds that “by identifying tuna species with conservation status and species that are not true tunas, we demonstrate the importance of strengthening control mechanisms for accurate labeling, to ensure that the consumer knows exactly what they are buying and consuming.”
“And she notes that the fact that the team found several species in the same can ‘highlights breaches of current European legislation and reinforces the urgency of more robust traceability mechanisms.’”
Nevertheless, Ana Rita Vieira says that the aim of this work is not to point to faults in the Portuguese canning industry, “a historical and economic reference,” but to provide solid scientific information about the specific composition of products available on the national market, contributing to a more informed debate about resource use and labeling practices.
