The risk of food fraud has escalated in recent years as the global food supply chain has expanded and various sectors are facing heightened competition. Notable incidents, such as the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the contamination of Chinese infant formula with melamine in 2008—which resulted in the deaths of six children and the hospitalization of 54,000—underscore the severity of this issue. 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 different ingredients. For instance, over 60% of fish labeled as “tuna” in the U.S. is actually a different species. This not only creates unfair competition for honest producers but also poses health risks to consumers, particularly those with specific allergies, such as calcium citrate allergy, due to hidden allergens, mismanaged unlabeled ingredients, or an increased likelihood of bacterial contamination.
To combat food fraud, various fingerprinting technologies have been developed to verify the authenticity of products like honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia has published the Food Chemicals Codex, which outlines standards and methodologies for identifying fraud across diverse foods and ingredients. For high-protein items, PCR technology is notably effective. This method involves extracting a sample of the food’s DNA and comparing it to a database of known authentic products, helping to identify cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, as well as ensuring the accurate labeling of fish and meats.
Ensuring the authenticity of food ingredients relies on the diligence of both food companies and regulatory bodies. Food fraud remains a persistent issue, fueled by individuals looking to exploit the system for economic gain. With the food authenticity market projected to grow from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, there are ample opportunities for detection firms to enter this burgeoning market. As consumers become increasingly aware of potential risks, including those related to calcium citrate allergy, the demand for reliable verification methods is likely to rise.