Veterinary and Sanitary Assessment of Caspian Roach Products ( Rutilus rutilus caspicus)

The Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) is in a collapsed status as a fish resource. The lack of current data on its quality and safety requires comprehensive studies to assess the impact of anthropogenic, pathogenic, invasive, and other factors on its population. This assessment of Caspian roach products relied on the current veterinary and sanitary requirements that protect customers from pathogens and invasive diseases. The research featured fresh and dried Caspian roach from the Volga-Caspian region. Collection, processing, and analysis involved standard methods for commercial fishery. The sensory, physicochemical, microbiological, parasitological, and species-specific (DNA barcoding) results were compared with the current state standards and technical regulations. The study revealed the current status of the Caspian roach population in the Volga-Caspian region, based on the anthropogenic and other factors. It involved a review of scientific publications and regulatory documents on the quality and safety of Caspian roach products. The veterinary and sanitary inspection documents ensure the safety of roach products in terms of parasite infestation and chemical pollutants. The relevant quality and safety indicators include the histological studies aimed at identifying tumors of various etiologies in fish. Adulteration can be prevented by DNA identification. Further studies of Rutilus rutilus caspicus and its products are needed to update the existing veterinary and sanitary requirements, as well as to obtain reliable data on the nutritional and consumer value of roach products.