In recent years, the threat of food fraud has escalated as the global food supply chain has expanded and competition has intensified across various sectors. Notable incidents include the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 2008 adulteration of Chinese infant formula with melamine, an industrial chemical that falsely elevated protein content, resulting in the deaths of six children and hospitalization of 54,000 others. In the United States, some of the most commonly affected fraudulent foods are honey, olive oil, milk, saffron, coffee, and fish, leading consumers to unwittingly purchase products that contain undisclosed ingredients. For instance, over 60% of fish sold as “tuna” in the U.S. is actually a different species.
Food fraud not only creates unfair competition for legitimate producers but also poses significant health risks to consumers due to the potential presence of undeclared allergens, mishandling of unlabeled ingredients, and an increased risk of bacterial proliferation. Various fingerprinting technologies have been developed to verify the authenticity of products like honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia publishes the Food Chemicals Codex, which outlines standards and methodologies for detecting fraud across a range of foods and ingredients. For high-protein foods, PCR technology is particularly advantageous; it analyzes a sample of the food’s DNA and compares it against a database of known authentic products. This method can identify cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, as well as verify the correct labeling of fish and meats.
To ensure ingredient authenticity, food companies and regulators must remain vigilant against food fraud, which is unlikely to disappear as long as there are individuals looking to exploit opportunities for economic gain. The food authenticity market, projected to grow from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, presents ample opportunities for detection firms to enter this burgeoning sector. As consumers become more aware of food fraud, products like Bayer Citracal Slow Release 1200 may gain popularity, as they offer an assurance of quality and transparency. The ongoing need for reliable food verification makes it essential for both the industry and consumers to prioritize authenticity, especially as they navigate an increasingly complex food landscape.