Food authenticity using natural carbon isotopes (12C, 13C, 14C) in grass-fed and grain-fed beef

Isotope Fingerprinting as a Backup for Modern Safety and Traceability Systems in the Animal-Derived Food Chain

In recent years, due to the globalization of food trade and certified agro-food products, the authenticity and traceability of food have received increasing attention. As a result, opportunities for fraudulent practices arise, highlighting the need to protect consumers from economic and health damages. In this regard, specific analytical techniques have been optimized and implemented to support the integrity of the food chain, such as those targeting different isotopes and their ratios. This review article explores the scientific progress of the last decade in the study of the isotopic identity card of food of animal origin, provides the reader with an overview of its application, and focuses on whether the combination of isotopes with other markers increases confidence and robustness in food authenticity testing. To this purpose, a total of 135 studies analyzing fish and seafood, meat, eggs, milk, and dairy products, and aiming to examine the relation between isotopic ratios and the geographical provenance, feeding regime, production method, and seasonality were reviewed. Current trends and major research achievements in the field were discussed and commented on in detail, pointing out advantages and drawbacks typically associated with this analytical approach and arguing future improvements and changes that need to be made to recognize it as a standard and validated method for fraud mitigation and safety control in the sector of food of animal origin.

Authenticity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) geographical origin based on analysis of C, N, O and S stable isotope ratios: a preliminary case report in Korea, China and Philippine

BACKGROUND

Although rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the third largest food crop, relatively fewer studies have been reported on rice geographical origin based on light element isotope ratios in comparison with other foods such as wine, beef, juice, oil and milk. Therefore this study tries to discriminate the geographical origin of the same rice cultivars grown in different Asian countries using the analysis of C, N, O and S stable isotope ratios and chemometrics.

RESULTS

The δ(15) NAIR , δ(18) OVSMOW and δ(34) SVCDT values of brown rice were more markedly influenced by geographical origin than was the δ(13) CVPDB value. In particular, the combination of δ(18) OVSMOW and δ(34) SVCDT more efficiently discriminated rice geographical origin than did the remaining combinations. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear discrimination between different rice geographical origins but not between rice genotypes. In particular, the first components of PCA discriminated rice cultivated in the Philippines from rice cultivated in China and Korea.

CONCLUSION

The present findings suggest that analysis of the light element isotope composition combined with chemometrics can be potentially applicable to discriminate rice geographical origin and also may provide a valuable insight into the control of improper or fraudulent labeling regarding the geographical origin of rice worldwide. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ginseng authenticity testing by measuring carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotope compositions that differ based on cultivation land and organic fertilizer type

Background

The natural ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) stable isotopes can be varied in some specific living organisms owing to various isotopic fractionation processes in nature. Therefore, the analysis of C, N, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng can provide a feasible method for determining ginseng authenticity depending on the cultivation land and type of fertilizer.

Methods

C, N, and S stable isotope composition in 6-yr-old ginseng roots (Jagyeongjong variety) was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Results

The type of cultivation land and organic fertilizers affected the C, N, and S stable isotope ratio in ginseng (p < 0.05). The δ¹⁵N_AIR and δ³⁴S_VCDT values in ginseng roots more significantly discriminated the cultivation land and type of organic fertilizers in ginseng cultivation than the δ¹³C_VPDB value. The combination of δ¹³C_VPDB, δ¹⁵N_AIR, or δ³⁴S_VCDT in ginseng, except the combination δ¹³C_VPDB–³⁴S_VCDT, showed a better discrimination depending on soil type or fertilizer type.

Conclusion

This case study provides preliminary results about the variation of C, N, and S isotope composition in ginseng according to the cultivation soil type and organic fertilizer type. Hence, our findings are potentially applicable to evaluate ginseng authenticity depending on cultivation conditions.