Invention could stop "fish fraud"

TAMPA, FLA. -- Scientists at the University of South Florida have created new technology to help ensure that the fish you buy is the real deal.

Their invention is a handheld sensor that makes sure the fish matches the label.

Studies show anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of fish are fraudulently mislabeled.

Sometimes, fish that's higher in mercury is sold as a healthier fish.

In Florida, inferior fish like are often passed off as the better quality grouper.

The sensor only needs a tiny bit of the fish for the test.

"You can take this to a warehouse or a fish house and within a high percentage of accuracy, is this grouper or is not grouper," says Robert Ulrich, one of the developers.

The sensor, called "GrouperCheck," can be modified to check all types of seafood.

Professor John Paul, another developer, says the system originally had another use.

"We actually developed the technology to detect red tide. And one of our deans said if you can do the same thing for grouper, they would knock a path to your door."

The scientists have now turned into business owners, launching their own company, Pure Molecular, to market the sensor worldwide.

it will cost about $2,000, so initially, the device will be aimed toward supermarkets.