The origin of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): NIRS explanatory identification and the effect on consumers

This study aimed to explore the possibility of using Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the authentication of mussels from six different geographical areas (Campania (South-Italy), Marche (Central-Italy), Veneto (North-Italy), Greece, Ireland and Spain). Secondly, the influence of mussels origin information on liking and willingness to buy was investigated on 130 consumers (from Campania region) by conducting an online consumer test, under blind and informed conditions. NIRS- based classification method clearly identified six clusters corresponding to mussels with different origins. Also, consumers resulted strongly influenced by the origin information, preferring the familiar and local mussels compared to those from other geographic regions. Compared to methods based on chemical analysis, NIRS identification does not require reagents and is simpler, faster, more economical, and environmentally safer. Therefore, considering the importance of origin information perceived by consumers, NIRS could be a useful analytical method for mussels control to guarantee their authentication and traceability.