Sources of variation in elemental profiles of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and their potential effects on the accuracy of discriminant analysis

•Sources of variation in elemental profiles were invesitgated.•Shrimp from Ecuador and Alabama were used for this investigation.•Interlaboratory variation was significant in 2 of 5 elements reported.•A classification model was 94% accurate in describing location x tissue groups.•This study provides further evidence for elemental profiling as a traceability tool.