Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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New IAEA project to combat seafood counterfeiting using nuclear technology
Since the 1960s, per capita consumption of seafood—rich in calories, protein, and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins—has doubled and is projected to double again by 2050.
October 6, 2025
Rola Bou Khozam, Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
Fish samples are collected as part of food monitoring programs in Member States. Photo: Maestroni/IAEA
Seafood is one of the most widely traded food commodities globally, contributing to food security and a source of income for the population. Since the 1960s, per capita consumption of seafood—rich in calories, protein, and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins—has doubled and is projected to double again by 2050.
However, the problem of seafood fraud is a growing global concern. As a result, food safety, consumer confidence, and economic stability are at risk. Through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, the Agency is launching a five-yearcoordinated research project(PKI) to assist countries in strengthening food control systems to detect and prevent seafood fraud.
The project aims to protect consumers and producers, as well as to ensure fair trade practices in industries such as fisheries and aquaculture.
The IAEA will use nuclear and related techniques to build scientific capacity, ensure product authenticity, and enhance the sustainability and transparency of seafood supply chains.
As a result of the PKI, it is planned to create reference databases of isotopic and molecular characteristics of various seafood products for use in digital food traceability systems.
What is seafood adulteration?
Seafood counterfeiting often involves substituting expensive species with cheaper alternatives, mislabeling origin or fishing areas, selling farmed fish as wild or previously frozen fish as fresh, and using unauthorized or hidden additives. Seafood counterfeiting can occur at any stage of the supply chain—from production and processing to wholesale/retail distribution and distribution in food service establishments. As supply chains become more complex, monitoring and tracking become increasingly difficult, creating opportunities for fraud.
These criminal acts mislead consumers, hinder trade, and, in some cases, pose a serious health risk. For example, substitution of species can expose consumers to allergens, toxins, parasites, or pathogens. If the origin of seafood is incorrectly stated, the fishing grounds may be contaminated, fishing there may be prohibited, or they may be home to endangered species. Selling thawed fish as fresh poses a risk of microbiological risks or allergic reactions caused by compounds such as histamine. Labeling claiming that a product is organic or conforms to certain religious norms also requires verification of authenticity. To address these challenges, national and international food control systems must employ reliable, appropriate analytical methods.
How is counterfeit seafood detected using nuclear methods?
The Food Safety and Control Laboratory supports countries in the use of nuclear and related analytical methods to strengthen laboratory capacity, enhance regulatory oversight, and facilitate trade in safe, authentic seafood. These technologies can be a valuable tool for detecting fraud. When combined with traditional methods, they create a comprehensive evidence base, enabling more informed action to ensure food safety and authenticity.
One of the most effective methods is analyzing the ratios of stable isotopes of light elements—carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen—in biological tissue, which reflects environmental conditions and the state of the environment. This allows scientists to determine the geographic origin of fish and verify whether they truly lived in the wild.
The effectiveness of stable isotope analysis can be enhanced by combining it with elemental composition determination methods such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, ion beam analysis, neutron activation analysis and mass spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic or optical spectrometry. Scientists also use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to distinguish between different species, detect additives, and identify fraudulent practices, such as the sale of frozen fish as fresh.
High-resolution mass spectrometry allows scientists to study proteins (proteomics), small molecules (metabolomics), and lipids (lipidomics). The resulting molecular characteristics can be used to identify food safety hazards and verify labeling.
Research objectives
This CRP builds on previous projects on food authenticity and aims to enhance the capacity of countries, particularly low- and middle-income countries, to apply nuclear technologies to combat seafood fraud. The goals of this CRP include strengthening consumer protection, increasing trust in food control systems, and supporting sustainable water resource management.
The objectives of this program include the development and validation of fit-for-purpose analytical methods, the establishment of standardized sampling and preparation protocols, and the generation of new analytical data to address knowledge gaps in the detection of seafood adulteration.
The work under the CRP is planned to result in the creation of reference databases of isotopic and molecular characteristics of various seafood products. These databases will be used in digital food traceability systems to facilitate international trade and regulatory compliance.
Furthermore, the CPI will serve as a platform for expanding expertise, organizing technology transfer, regional cooperation, and training. Participating countries will have the opportunity to align their national seafood labeling regulations with Codex Alimentarius and international standards.
"This IAEA project provides Member States with a valuable opportunity to collaborate to combat fraud and mitigate risks in seafood supply chains using robust nuclear science-based tools. Information on the provenance of seafood can facilitate trade and sustainable development," said Debashish Mazumder, Project Manager for Food Provenance Verification at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation.
Over the course of five years, this CRP programme will produce IAEA scientific publications for sharing with food safety networks, regulators, and industry representatives. The long-term goal of the CRP is not only to ensure the authenticity of seafood but also to promote sustainability and fairness within seafood value chains, support small-scale fisheries, and combat illegal and unregulated fishing.
How to participate in this PKI
Research institutes interested in participating in this CRP should submit their proposal for a research contract or agreement by email to the IAEA Research Contracts Section no later than 31 October 2025, using the appropriate form at DKI web portal.
The IAEA is committed to gender equality and encourages a diverse workforce. Qualified women and candidates from developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
For further information related to this PKI, potential candidates should use the feedback form on the pagePKI.
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