Genome Canada and Ontario Genomics Institute fund DNA bar coding study
In Canada, University of Guelph researchers have proven that DNA bar coding is up to 88% effective in authenticating natural health products. Authenticating natural product capsules or tablets poses challenges. DNA bar coding allows scientists to use short standardized regions of genetic material to identify species and compare them to reference genetic sequences, said study author Mehrdad Hajibabaei, a U of G integrative biology professor.
For the study, researchers tested 95 plant and animal products bought in Toronto and New York City. Samples included capsules, tablets, roots, extracts, teas and shredded products. Fully 81 per cent of natural health products made from animals correctly matched their commercial label. The rest contained everything from cheaper alternatives to fragments of protected species. One product labeled as tiger shark fins actually contained a catfish species. This research has been funded by the federal government through Genome Canada and the Ontario Genomics Institute.
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