-------------------- N E W S  R E L E A S E --------------------

            Auburn University - University Relations
                         (334) 844-9999
----------------------------------------------------------------

5/12/95                 Mitch Emmons

AU RESEARCHER TO BE FEATURED ON TV'S AMERICAN JOURNAL

      AUBURN -- Work by a researcher in Auburn University's Department 
of Nutrition and Food Science was featured on the CBS news program, 
American Journal,  in a broadcast aired Thursday, May 11.
      Assistant Professor Peggy Hsieh demonstrated laboratory 
techniques she helped develop to identify different fish species in 
cooked dishes.
      "The program is designed to show consumers that they may not 
always be getting what they order in restaurants," said producer Julie 
Schupper.
      It revealed the results of fish entree samples taken from 
restaurants in Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., Hsieh 
said.
      Hsieh, who helped develop fast and accurate meat species 
identification techniques while working for the Florida Department of 
Agriculture and has trained regulatory personnel in the use of the 
technology, said that species substitution in restaurants is not uncommon 
-- especially those with fish.
      "Adulteration of meat species in the consumer market is a 
problem," she said.  "In a survey we conducted on 100 samples, we found 
that up to 50 percent of the fish in red snapper entrees was not actually 
red snapper, but another species of snapper." 
      "We think that consumers would like to know if they are getting 
what they pay for," Schupper said. "That's what our program is all about."
      Hsieh said the species identification task is simple when working 
with raw meats, but is more difficult after cooking. But both procedures 
are accomplished by comparing proteins present in test samples. 
      Using a technology called ISO Electric Focusing, Hsieh separates 
soluble proteins present in the meat onto gel sheets.
      "On the test gels, these proteins form unique and specific 
patterns that can be matched much like fingerprints," she said. "We can 
get results in about one hour."
      Although the state of Alabama does not have laws controlling meat 
species substitution in the consumer market, Hsieh said it is a 
fraudulent act in many states. 
      Hsieh has long been an advocate for stronger regulatory actions 
to control meat substitution in the consumer market, and said she was 
pleased to assist American Journal with its program.
# # #
may95:AU-journal
CONTACT: Hsieh, 334/844-2211