Identification of Biomarkers to Distinguish Between Korean and Russian Snow Crabs Using Omics-Related Techniques, Fatty Acid Profiling, and Multivariate Statistical Analysis

The nutritional composition of snow crabs (<i>Chionoecetes opilio</i>) varies substantially by geographic origin. This study aimed to determine differences in the fatty acid profiles of Russian and Korean snow crabs and to identify origin-based biomarkers. Fatty acid analysis and multivariate statistical analysis were performed to identify distinguishing compounds. Significant differences (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) were found in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), with cut-off values set at 18.90% and 33.55% of total fatty acids, respectively. A statistical model was developed and validated to distinguish geographic origin, providing a reliable tool for food origin verification and supporting regulatory efforts and consumer confidence.