A Validated suite of tools for assessing fish origin, quality (freshness) and safety, including detection of antibiotics, toxins and pathogens (D4.1)

This report summarizes the work carried out in WP4, including the methods developed, the integration and comparison of data, and the potential applications of the results. The main goal of WP4 was successfully met by testing a range of analytical approaches on seafood samples provided by the Living Labs (LLs), using protocols established and refined in earlier deliverables. The findings presented here draw from several technologies—microbiome analysis, stable isotope profiling, and genetic methods—and explore how these tools can be applied in practice. For instance, short DNA sequences obtained through untargeted sequencing of seafood-associated microbiota are examined for their potential use alongside the aptamer sensors developed in WP5. Untargeted sequencing proved especially valuable, helping to identify microbial markers for origin authentication and assess the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes (the resistome). In terms of microbial safety, results from pathogen screening are included in this report and discussed further in Deliverable D6.3. While some of the results have been shared in previous deliverables, they are revisited here to provide a complete overview of the collaborative work conducted across the project’s various partners.