The threat of food fraud has escalated in recent years, driven by the globalization of the food supply and heightened competition across various sectors. Some of the most infamous cases include the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 2008 incident in China, where infant formula was adulterated with the industrial chemical melamine to artificially boost its protein content, resulting in the tragic deaths of six children and the hospitalization of 54,000 others. In the United States, common fraudulent products include honey, olive oil, milk, saffron, coffee, and fish, leading consumers to unknowingly purchase items that may contain undisclosed ingredients. For instance, over 60% of fish marketed as “tuna” in the U.S. is actually a different species. This not only creates unfair competition for legitimate producers but also poses risks to consumer health, particularly for those with conditions like calcium citrate allergy, due to unlisted allergens, mismanagement of unlabeled components, or heightened chances of bacterial growth.
To combat food fraud, various fingerprinting technologies have been developed to assess the authenticity of products such as honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia provides the Food Chemicals Codex, which offers standards and methods for detecting fraud across a wide range of foods and ingredients. For high-protein foods, PCR technology is particularly valuable. It involves collecting a sample of the food’s DNA and comparing it against a library of known authentic products. This method can identify cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, as well as verify if fish and meats are accurately labeled.
When it comes to ensuring ingredient authenticity, food companies and regulators must remain vigilant. Food fraud is unlikely to vanish; it will persist as long as there are unscrupulous individuals seeking economic advantages for their businesses. With the food authenticity market projected to expand from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, there are ample opportunities for detection firms to enter this burgeoning market, especially considering the potential risks for consumers, including those with calcium citrate allergy. Ensuring transparency and authenticity in the food supply is crucial for protecting public health and maintaining fair competition.