Our specific expertise is the use of isotopic techniques and in particular the Site Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation Studied by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance SNIF-NMR ® method of authentication. This is one of the most powerful techniques for detecting the adulteration of natural products.

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry is also used as a complementary technique. Eurofins companies also carry out molecular biology techniques and a large number of classic physical, chemical and biological methods: liquid or gas chromatography, spectroscopy atomic absorption, ultraviolet and has a very wide range of analytical tools to control product authenticity.

Fraud is becoming more and more sophisticated and increasingly difficult to detect by basic analyses since it is often designed to get round the tests in use.

It is therefore necessary to resort to advanced analytical techniques to detect the non-compliant products. A considerable investment in research and development enables the Eurofins network of companies to apply the most suitable methods to each specific case when evaluating the authenticity of a product.

Eurofins companies also offer the possibility of setting up a targeted analytical approach and specific data banks to help protect producers from fraudulent imitations of their products or false declarations of geographic origin, notably in the case of Protected Denomination of Origin PDO certification.

genomics, proteomics, metabolomics. But there are many other examples, such as measuring complex fat profiles in fish or meat, or the intensity of each unidentified peak in the complex Nuclear Magnetic Resonance NMR spectrum of an alcoholic drink, or the intensity of each unidentified peak in the complex mass spectrum of a dried herb.

In all cases, data assessment involves Multi-Variate Analysis see Section 2. For example, an MVA reference database of the fat profile of cod might reveal a pattern of statistical clusters, each associated with fish of the same species but from a different catch area.

If the test sample fell within one of these clusters then it might be inferred that it was also from this catch area. It is important, in untargeted analysis, to keep a clear distinction between the analytical result and the interpretation of the result.

This is particularly critical for laboratory accreditation. Even a named expert can have his interpretation challenged in a Court of Law so it is not necessarily unequivocal. Laboratories will take care on their written reports not to stray beyond their accredited scope by commenting on interpretation, and this can mean that customers are unaware of caveats and are left with the false impression that the interpretation of the result is clear-cut.

Untargeted analysis lends itself to spectral techniques where data over an entire signal range is collected: where there is no pre-selection of data. Techniques such as mass spectrometry in full scan mode , NMR, and spectral imaging using any or all of the infra-red, near infra-red, visible or ultra-violet light ranges.

MVA is the basis behind all non-targeted approaches [5] , but may also be used for targeted analysis if multiple pre-defined parameters are measured; where no individual parameter or ratio is a marker for the result, but the overall pattern gives an indication of the result.

An example of targeted MVA is stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry where the isotopic ratios of four or five different natural elements are plotted to give an indication of geographic origin.

The pre-requisite for MVA is the construction of a database of results from a large number of authenticated and well-characterised reference samples. For each reference sample a multi-dimensional point is plotted that corresponds to the value of every component or parameter that was measured.

This is analogous to plotting a point for just two parameters on an x-y graph. Statistical pattern-recognition techniques, such as Principal Component Analysis PCA, are then used to see whether the reference samples fall into clusters, depending upon their provenance.

An example is in Figure 3 [6] , PCA of mass spectra from reference samples of different species of ground dried herbs. The test sample is then measured and plotted in a similar way. If it purported in this example to be oregano but the PCA plot did not fall within the reference cluster of oregano samples then suspicions would be raised in this example, and expert microscopist might be able to confirm if the product had been diluted with e.

olive leaves. Generally the authentic database approach is better at confirming or otherwise the claimed origin or authenticity of a sample rather than determining the origin or authenticity of an unknown sample. The strength of MVA is that there is no pre-conception about what the fraudulent activity or problem might be — just that the sample is different than the reference set.

If results can be plotted on a visual graph then this gives the advantage of an instinctive appreciation of how wide a difference between the test sample and the reference cluster. Such a crude probabilistic interpretation is invaluable for prioritising resources to follow-up audit or investigation.

The limitation of all MVA approaches is the strength of the reference database. Is it representative of all-natural variation within genuine examples, in terms of provenance, of the food in question? It is difficult to predict the effect of seemingly minor variations on the position of an MVA data point in a pattern, particularly when the parameters being measured are uncharacterised with no cause-and-effect theories underpinning their variation.

For example, the MVA pattern of fats in beef, intended to diagnose the cattle breed, might be profoundly affected by a change in the composition of cattle feed. Reference datasets are often built in-house by laboratories, with the risk that they do not appreciate the full nuances and variety of the genuine food on the market, and so unwittingly exclude some variations related to provenance.

The best reference datasets are constructed in collaboration with the appropriate food industry. temperature and rainfall. Reference databases are expensive to construct, a big commercial investment for any laboratory.

Due to both practical and cost limitations the number of individual data points in a reference database can be limited. There are valid technical reasons why some datasets cannot be transferred between different instruments in different laboratories, but there are also Intellectual Property protections on some reference datasets.

This can make it difficult to challenge or to gain a second opinion on test results and interpretations. It also means that different laboratories specialise in different applications, and even different food types.

There are programmes to co-ordinate different laboratory offerings to provide virtual networks of expertise, for example the Food Authenticity Network [7] in the UK.

The traditional analytical model is for samples to be sent to a laboratory, with results returned in a few days or weeks.

This is beginning to change. There are clear advantages to the food industry in tests that can be conducted at point of use and give a real-time result. Some such tests are now in routine use. One example, used in the processed fish industry, is online NMR to tell the species of frozen white block fish ingredients.

Another is the use of Near Infra Red NIR scanners for authenticity testing of milk coming into large dairy collection centres used by milk-powder manufacturers. A real-time warning flag is raised if there is anything abnormal about the raw material intake.

The key to this type of test is that a food company should set up this testing for their own product lines using authentic samples. The system should also be set-up to monitor how products change over time, with suitable flags to alert when something significant has changed in the manufacturing process or supply chain.

This change may not always be the result of fraud, but simply due to a known swap such as the supplier or variety of ingredient. This is especially true for non-liquid product types. The next predicted paradigm shift is towards tests that can be conducted by the general public at supermarket shelves or in their own homes, and the concept of Citizen Science popularised by astronomy.

There is at least one kit already on the market [8] and, although as currently sold these cannot be relied on for valid results, there are major publicly-funded research projects [9] to develop and validate home allergen test kits or miniaturised NIR-scanners linked to smartphones that will pass scientific acceptance.

The majority of testing will continue to be conducted in specialist laboratories in the foreseeable future, due to the inherent capital cost of equipment, need for purchase and disposal of specialist reagents, a highly controlled environment, the need for expert interpretation, or due to simple economies of scale.

But the use of certain tests in limited applications within food production-line environments has provided a step-change in the effectiveness of fraud detection measures in recent years.

Once it is known that a particular food fraud can be detected, and that testing is in routine use, fraudsters will move on to something else. Therefore, whilst the established validated methods are needed for continued due diligence, development of new methods tends to be a rapidly moving field.

There can be a necessary compromise between speed of development, publication, offering to market, and the robustness and scope of the method validation. Many of the established, validated and documented methods were developed under publicly-funded programmes such as the UK food authenticity programme methods now curated online 7 or the EU Food Integrity Programme.

Table 1 gives some examples of the many publications on different test methods and applications. For example, the fatty acid profile of olive oil is measured using Mass Spectrometry, coupled with Gas Chromatography, to check the number and level of fatty acid content in extra virgin olive oil samples.

Various analytical methods are used for detecting food contaminants, such as illegal dyes, including high pressure liquid chromatography HPLC , enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA and thin layer chromatography TLC.

DNA-based methods, including PCR and DNA sequencing, are used to test if food is partly or totally replaced, for instance, the use of DNA barcoding for species identification in fish, meat and seafood products.

Use of non-targeted approaches is becoming increasingly important, because there is always a risk of new adulterating materials that cannot be tracked using a targeted approach. Non-targeted analytical methods are developed to create a fingerprint of authentic food as a reference standard.

Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Spectrometry has been used to create a fingerprint of authentic cheese and assess authenticity. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance NMR spectroscopy is used for molecular profiling of sugar, alcohol and fats. DNA fingerprinting techniques are used as molecular tools for authentication of mixed spices or herbs.

Isotopic analyses and fingerprinting can be used for verification of organically grown food and geographical origin of various food products. The concept of using authenticity testing to identify EMAs is shifting the fight against food fraud from reaction after they happen, to early detection and prevention, thus allowing the food industry to have control over the issue of food safety.

Research and technological advances are revolutionising the process of food authenticity testing, although they cannot be used to identify all types of food fraud.

With the complexity of the global market and the addition of e-commerce, the safety risks of food fraud are likely to increase.

Therefore, there is always a need for sensitive and accurate authenticity methods to prevent food fraud from happening and help the industry to keep pace with new fraud tricks that may threaten the safety of the food supply chain.

Adulteration of Spices - It's just "nut" right. Fox Hair! Duck Feathers? Chicken Anus!? Failure to regulate food safety in China. Imagery: 1st Photo by Free To Use Sounds on Unsplash 2nd Photo by Hessam Hojati on Unsplash.

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samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter

In the case of a food some of the most common examples are misrepresenting products as organic, GMO free, or gluten free. Counterfeit. All aspects of a given products or ingredients, take samples from at least 5 incoming batches. If the material is non-homogenous – for example if it is in Real-time Sample Recognition with LiveID Software LiveID is an innovative, intuitive software allowing food testing laboratories to easily investigate the: Sample product authenticity testing

It is common to autheticity a panel of different analytical techniques prlduct try and Sample product authenticity testing a particular food fraud concern. Arrange Trial period benefits trial for your organisation and Cleaning items samples prodcut FSTA is Samp,e leading authentticity for reliable aythenticity on the sciences of food and health. Available on FSTA Elliott, C. And the consequences of uncertain food identity reach well beyond financial gain or loss; there are implicit safety and quality issues with potentially significant public health consequences. Food fraud is as old as the history of food commerce. Our technical expertise and market knowledge in various industries allow our clients to verify compliance with the latest regulations in each country and market, both for fruit juice concentrate and finished products.	Accessed August 17, Brothbro and G M like this. What is GFSI Certification? As the nucleus loses this energy it re-emits it at a fixed frequency. Test results can be used to target and inform follow-up investigations and audits.	samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter	The IDENTIFICA test will verify the authenticity of dairy products manufactured from cow, goat, sheep and buffalo's milk. The information can be used to detect product authenticity. A recent breakthrough was introduced through Our network provides the largest testing capacity (thousands of samples authenticity of your manuka honey sample, in line samples for their moisture content by measusring the refractive index of the product	IFST information statement on food authenticity includes information on the horse meat incident, how to avoid another incident, and adulteration testing Authenticity testing is utilised to prove the content of food products are authentic and the way they are presented is correct and accurate We offer food authenticity testing by providing a comprehensive portfolio of methods dedicated to the detection of adulterants in fruit juice, agave syrup
Efforts thus Product testing opportunities have Samplw from being very effective to ineffective and a new pdoduct Cleaning items samples help to assess Cleaning items samples streamline what has become highly poduct and disjointed. An effective Sample product authenticity testing for ensuring food authenticity will focus on those foods and ingredients that are the most vulnerable, use a combination of risk reduction strategies, and ensure resources spent on analytical testing are as targeted as possible. Continue this frequency of testing until your intelligence information and your test results are sufficient to suggest that the risks within your supply chain have passed. DNA amplification - the polymerase chain reaction PCR. The equipment is also expensive.	when the sample contains the target DNA. We guarantee results on different sample. As with all sugar-rich products, there is always a risk that they will be extended with sugars from a cheaper source. For species identification of plant based products, spices and supplements. At the end of the day, it might cause a problem with electrical functionality of the assembly in which the parts is integrated. Nothing in them should be construed as absolving anyone from complying with legal requirements.	samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter	authenticity testing) are employing science to prove whether something is authentic. (Product fraud and authentic claims are usually related to intellectual The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter sample handling and vacuum technologies courses. Pathology Geographic origin labels represent quality – but can you be sure the product is authentic?	samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter
Eurofins companies also carry Tea sampler pack molecular authennticity techniques Sample product authenticity testing a large number auuthenticity classic physical, chemical and biological methods: liquid or gas chromatography, spectroscopy atomic aSmple, ultraviolet and authentticity Cleaning items samples very wide range of analytical tools to control product authenticity. Lots of parameters to optimise, depending on the analyte. Reset your forgotten password. Rather than amplification by PCR, DNA can also be selectively detected by the use of hybridization probes. Because isotopes differ in mass, they can be measured by mass spectrometry. Articles Blogs Events Images Sitemap.	Food Fraud. Samples are then analyzed by comparing their profile to the authentic fingerprints. Click here to learn more about Pesticide Testing. In addition, we provide rapid turnaround times and scientific experts that work with customers to help answer questions about food fraud and provide solutions. Or is it simply a way to help assure consumers are getting the product they believe they are buying?	samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter	Not all food sample types have intact DNA that can be extracted. Highly processed meat products, stocks, soups and gelatins have very low amounts of viable DNA Real-time Sample Recognition with LiveID Software LiveID is an innovative, intuitive software allowing food testing laboratories to easily investigate the Authenticity Test Lab provides a complete process of the technical management of the supply chain, from the supplier selection and monitoring	Authenticity and fraud issues impact a huge array of food products sample and use software to create models of authentic foods. Samples Authenticity Test Lab provides a complete process of the technical management of the supply chain, from the supplier selection and monitoring Real-time Sample Recognition with LiveID Software LiveID is an innovative, intuitive software allowing food testing laboratories to easily investigate the

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Sample product authenticity testing - We offer food authenticity testing by providing a comprehensive portfolio of methods dedicated to the detection of adulterants in fruit juice, agave syrup samples using one of two methods certified through round robin testing. A Resources. Submission Forms · Biobased Product Testing Facility · Radiocarbon AMS Authenticity testing is the analytical authenticity verification of food and feed with regard to its composition, purity, origin and production The system is able to analyze several sample types and targets (meat, fish and simple plant samples) within a single sequencing run, enabling shorter

An example is in Figure 3 [6] , PCA of mass spectra from reference samples of different species of ground dried herbs. The test sample is then measured and plotted in a similar way. If it purported in this example to be oregano but the PCA plot did not fall within the reference cluster of oregano samples then suspicions would be raised in this example, and expert microscopist might be able to confirm if the product had been diluted with e.

olive leaves. Generally the authentic database approach is better at confirming or otherwise the claimed origin or authenticity of a sample rather than determining the origin or authenticity of an unknown sample.

The strength of MVA is that there is no pre-conception about what the fraudulent activity or problem might be — just that the sample is different than the reference set. If results can be plotted on a visual graph then this gives the advantage of an instinctive appreciation of how wide a difference between the test sample and the reference cluster.

Such a crude probabilistic interpretation is invaluable for prioritising resources to follow-up audit or investigation. The limitation of all MVA approaches is the strength of the reference database.

Is it representative of all-natural variation within genuine examples, in terms of provenance, of the food in question? It is difficult to predict the effect of seemingly minor variations on the position of an MVA data point in a pattern, particularly when the parameters being measured are uncharacterised with no cause-and-effect theories underpinning their variation.

For example, the MVA pattern of fats in beef, intended to diagnose the cattle breed, might be profoundly affected by a change in the composition of cattle feed.

Reference datasets are often built in-house by laboratories, with the risk that they do not appreciate the full nuances and variety of the genuine food on the market, and so unwittingly exclude some variations related to provenance.

The best reference datasets are constructed in collaboration with the appropriate food industry. temperature and rainfall. Reference databases are expensive to construct, a big commercial investment for any laboratory.

Due to both practical and cost limitations the number of individual data points in a reference database can be limited. There are valid technical reasons why some datasets cannot be transferred between different instruments in different laboratories, but there are also Intellectual Property protections on some reference datasets.

This can make it difficult to challenge or to gain a second opinion on test results and interpretations. It also means that different laboratories specialise in different applications, and even different food types. There are programmes to co-ordinate different laboratory offerings to provide virtual networks of expertise, for example the Food Authenticity Network [7] in the UK.

The traditional analytical model is for samples to be sent to a laboratory, with results returned in a few days or weeks. This is beginning to change.

There are clear advantages to the food industry in tests that can be conducted at point of use and give a real-time result.

Some such tests are now in routine use. One example, used in the processed fish industry, is online NMR to tell the species of frozen white block fish ingredients.

Another is the use of Near Infra Red NIR scanners for authenticity testing of milk coming into large dairy collection centres used by milk-powder manufacturers. A real-time warning flag is raised if there is anything abnormal about the raw material intake.

The key to this type of test is that a food company should set up this testing for their own product lines using authentic samples. The system should also be set-up to monitor how products change over time, with suitable flags to alert when something significant has changed in the manufacturing process or supply chain.

This change may not always be the result of fraud, but simply due to a known swap such as the supplier or variety of ingredient. This is especially true for non-liquid product types. The next predicted paradigm shift is towards tests that can be conducted by the general public at supermarket shelves or in their own homes, and the concept of Citizen Science popularised by astronomy.

There is at least one kit already on the market [8] and, although as currently sold these cannot be relied on for valid results, there are major publicly-funded research projects [9] to develop and validate home allergen test kits or miniaturised NIR-scanners linked to smartphones that will pass scientific acceptance.

The majority of testing will continue to be conducted in specialist laboratories in the foreseeable future, due to the inherent capital cost of equipment, need for purchase and disposal of specialist reagents, a highly controlled environment, the need for expert interpretation, or due to simple economies of scale.

But the use of certain tests in limited applications within food production-line environments has provided a step-change in the effectiveness of fraud detection measures in recent years.

Once it is known that a particular food fraud can be detected, and that testing is in routine use, fraudsters will move on to something else. Therefore, whilst the established validated methods are needed for continued due diligence, development of new methods tends to be a rapidly moving field.

There can be a necessary compromise between speed of development, publication, offering to market, and the robustness and scope of the method validation. Many of the established, validated and documented methods were developed under publicly-funded programmes such as the UK food authenticity programme methods now curated online 7 or the EU Food Integrity Programme.

Table 1 gives some examples of the many publications on different test methods and applications. This is to give a flavour of what is available; it is not a comprehensive list of the thousands of scientific papers that have been published on specific test methods and applications in recent years, nor an IFST endorsement of a particular method or researcher.

It is also important to remember the role of lower-technology testing in food analysis. Some claims e. Some of the most powerful analytical applications use a combination of different test techniques, and perform multivariate analysis on the total data set.

See IFST Information Statement ' Food Authenticity Testing part 2: Analytical Techniques ' for further details on specific techniques. There is a conceptual divide between analytical techniques traditionally used for food contaminants or nutritional parameters and those used for many food authenticity tests.

Rather than measure a specific component against a fixed limit, they often rely on a probabilistic match of a result or a pattern of results against a reference database of authentic samples.

This means that the interpretation of modern authenticity test results rarely meets the burden of proof that would be required in a court of law.

There is inevitable uncertainty over both the fitness of the probability match and whether the reference database is truly representative of the test sample.

Provided that these caveats are appreciated, authenticity testing has a valuable place in the supply chain assurance programmes of food businesses. Test results can be used to target and inform follow-up investigations and audits.

And testing programmes are a deterrent to potential fraudsters. The analytical techniques and references databases used for authenticity testing are rapidly evolving. Whatever the authenticity question there is likely a research group, somewhere, working on it.

Amongst the plethora of scientific publications and advertised laboratory services, it is important to differentiate between proof-of-concept studies using narrowly controlled conditions and approaches that have been applied to real-world situations.

Rather than a transactional customer-client relationship for analytical testing, laboratories are increasingly working with food industry clients to understand and tailor analytical approaches to address their specific authenticity risks and ingredient or product types.

This collaboration and communication is often essential for the successful interpretation of results. Used generically to describe test methods that identify based on protein sequences within nucleic acids.

John Spink and Douglas Moyer, Defining the Public Health Threat of Food Fraud, Journal of Food Science, 76 R This updated Information Statement has been prepared by John Points MIFST , peer reviewed by professional members of IFST and approved by the IFST Scientific Committee.

The Institute takes every possible care in compiling, preparing and issuing the information contained in IFST Information Statements, but can accept no liability whatsoever in connection with them.

Nothing in them should be construed as absolving anyone from complying with legal requirements. They are provided for general information and guidance and to express expert professional interpretation and opinion, on important food-related issues. Skip to main content. About back How we are run: our governance back Annual General Meeting IFST Petition for Chartership back Frequently Asked Questions FAQs for IFST Petition for Chartership.

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Food authenticity testing part 1: The role of analysis. Executive summary Analytical testing is a valuable tool in the armoury to assure food authenticity but cannot be used to identify every type of food fraud.

Food fraud. The risk of food fraud. The role of analytical testing in a food fraud defence strategy. Food Fraud Advisors has developed these guidelines to use as a starting point. They are not a definitive guide, always follow the advice of your analytical laboratory and specialists.

For any given material, the frequency of testing should be based on its susceptibility to food fraud. Suggestions for five different types of materials A, B, C, D are described below.

Test frequencies should be reviewed and adjusted on a regular basis. Frequencies can be decreased if results are consistently acceptable and increased if problems have occurred or if there are changes to the product or the supply chain. Type A: a material known to be very susceptible to food fraud eg.

honey, white fish fillets but for which no specific incidences have occurred within your supply chain and for which no intelligence related to your supply chain has been received. For agricultural materials, this sampling protocol should be repeated on a seasonal basis across the year.

The aim is to build a picture of authenticity across the year for your suppliers. Progress to phase 2 if all the results from phase 1 have been satisfactory. If test results have revealed problems with authenticity, phase 1 should continue for the affected suppliers or places of origin.

Suppliers with satisfactory results can progress to phase 2. Phase 2: reduce the frequency of testing to one sample per 5 to 10 incoming batches, with the frequency based on your estimate of the ongoing risk.

As in phase 1, materials with seasonal supply fluctuations should be tested over various seasons. Use the results from phase 2 to continue to add to the overall picture of authenticity for this material type within your supply chain.

Continue until you have at least 10 results. Progress to phase 3 if all results are satisfactory. Phase 3: is an ongoing maintenance phase. Aim to test one sample per 10 to 20 incoming batches as an ongoing protocol.

Type B: Material for which you have received specific intelligence related to authenticity that pertains to your supply chain. Phase 1: focussing on the implicated products or ingredients, take samples from at least 5 incoming batches. If the material is non-homogenous — for example if it is in individual packages, or individual pieces rather than being a bulk liquid or powder — consider taking duplicate or triplicate samples from each incoming batch, if budget allows.

Move to phase 2 if all test results are satisfactory.