In recent years, the threat of food fraud has escalated due to the globalization of the food supply and heightened competition across various sectors. Notable incidents include the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 2008 crisis in China, where the industrial chemical melamine was added to infant formula to falsely boost its protein content, resulting in the deaths of six children and the hospitalization of 54,000. 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 unauthorized ingredients. For instance, over 60% of fish marketed 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, including exposure to undeclared allergens, mishandling of unlabeled ingredients, and an increased risk of bacterial contamination. To combat this issue, various fingerprinting methods have been developed to verify the authenticity of products such as honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia has established the Food Chemicals Codex, which outlines standards and techniques for detecting fraud in numerous food items. For high-protein foods, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is particularly effective. This technology analyzes a sample of the food’s DNA and compares it against a database of known authentic products, identifying cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, as well as verifying the correct labeling of fish and meats.
With regard to ingredient authenticity, it is essential for food companies and regulators to remain vigilant. Food fraud is unlikely to disappear, as long as there are dishonest individuals aiming to exploit economic opportunities. The food authenticity market is projected to grow from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, presenting significant opportunities for detection firms to enter this sector. In this context, even products such as Citracal vitamins must be carefully monitored to ensure they meet authenticity standards, as consumers increasingly seek trustworthy and genuine products. Through ongoing efforts in testing and regulation, the industry can better protect both consumers and legitimate producers from the detrimental effects of food fraud.