Authenticity and quality of animal origin food investigated by stable‐isotope ratio analysis

Abstract

Authentication of a food product is the procedure by which it is verified that the product matches the statements on the label, and that it conforms to what is established by regulations. This testing process includes analysis of the ingredients, determination of the geographical origin, and examination of the production methods. In particular, the use of rapid, effective and reliable analytical methods, when correctly applied to verify the authenticity and the traceability of the product, represents a valuable and irreplaceable tool for the authorities to carry out control functions. Tools and methodologies from scientific innovation and technological evolution can help to quickly locate particularly sophisticated frauds and adulterations. The feeding regime of livestock is a fundamental issue for the properties and safety of animal origin food, but this regime is often hidden from the consumer, making the zootechnical sector more prone to fraudulent practices. This review reports the results recently obtained in authentication of animal origin food by the application of stable-isotope ratio analysis, the most promising analytical technique in this field.

Application of stable isotope analysis to differentiate shrimp extracted by industrial fishing or produced through aquaculture practices

“…For example, in Mexico, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) has recently proposed a Mexican Official Standard (NOM-047-PESC-2012) to define procedures aimed to implement a paper-based traceability system that allows identifying farmed and wild shrimp (COFEMER 2013). Although careful traceability of products through the seafood production chain leads to effective assessment of production method, the application of analytical methods to validate product authenticity assists in verifying the traceability process and helps detecting deliberate mislabelling (Vinci et al 2013). On the other hand, issues derived from other environmental concerns (e.g., failure to implement turtle excluder devices in shrimp trawlers) have led to shrimp import prohibitions (USDS 2010) that only apply to open-sea-caught shrimp, but not to farmed shrimp or shrimp extracted from estuaries through artisanal fishing.…”

Isotopic turnover of carbon and nitrogen in bovine blood fractions and inner organs

“…Stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) of C and N has proven potential for inferring the dietary history of meat‐producing animals . Such information can provide useful clues for the detection of fraud as well as for the authentication of the production and geographic origins of livestock .…”

Model explanation of the seasonal variation of δ18O in cow (Bos taurus) hair under temperate conditions

“…The European Union’s general food law (Regulation EC No. 178/2002) has made traceability compulsory for all food and feed businesses since 2005 59 . Multi-element stable-isotope ratio (SIR) analysis has been proved to be practical for this purpose 60 .…”