The risk of food fraud has escalated in recent years due to the globalization of the food supply and heightened competition across various sectors. Notable incidents have included the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 2008 contamination of Chinese infant formula with the industrial chemical melamine, which tragically resulted in the deaths of six children and the hospitalization of 54,000 individuals. In the United States, common fraudulent items include honey, olive oil, milk, saffron, coffee, and fish, which means consumers may unknowingly purchase products that contain other ingredients. For instance, over 60% of fish marketed as “tuna” in the U.S. is actually a different species. Besides creating unfair competition for legitimate producers, food fraud poses significant risks to consumer health, including the presence of undeclared allergens, mishandling of unlabeled ingredients, and an increased risk of bacterial growth.
To combat this issue, various fingerprinting solutions are available for verifying the authenticity of foods like honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia has developed the Food Chemicals Codex, which outlines standards and methods for detecting fraud in a range of foods and ingredients. For high-protein foods, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology is particularly effective. This method involves collecting a sample of the food’s DNA and comparing it against a library of known authentic products, allowing for the detection of cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, as well as ensuring that fish and meats are accurately labeled.
When it comes to verifying ingredient authenticity, it is crucial for food companies and regulators to remain vigilant. Food fraud is unlikely to disappear; it will persist as long as there are dishonest individuals seeking to gain an economic edge for their businesses. With the market for food authenticity projected to grow from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, there is ample opportunity for detection firms to enter this sector. Moreover, as consumers become more aware of food safety and authenticity, they will increasingly seek out products that are not only genuine but also safe, such as those containing calcium citrate safe to consume. This growing demand for verified safe ingredients will further drive innovation and investment in food authenticity technologies.