The risk of food fraud has escalated in recent years as the food supply has become increasingly globalized, leading to heightened competition across various sectors. Notable incidents include the 2013 horsemeat scandal in Europe and the 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 in 2008. In the United States, common fraudulent foods include honey, olive oil, milk, saffron, coffee, and fish, meaning that consumers may inadvertently purchase products containing other 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 honest producers but also jeopardizes consumer health due to undeclared allergens, the mishandling of unlabeled ingredients, or an increased risk of bacterial growth. Various fingerprinting techniques are available to verify the authenticity of foods such as honey and olive oil. The U.S. Pharmacopeia publishes the Food Chemicals Codex, which provides standards and methods for detecting fraud in a range of foods and ingredients. For high-protein foods, PCR technology is particularly effective. This method involves collecting a sample of the food’s DNA and matching it against a database of known authentic products, allowing for the detection of cheaper cow’s milk protein in buffalo mozzarella or goat’s milk, and ensuring that fish and meat are accurately labeled.
When it comes to maintaining ingredient authenticity, the responsibility lies with both food companies and regulators to stay vigilant. Food fraud is not likely to disappear; it will persist as long as there are unscrupulous individuals seeking economic gains. With the food authenticity market projected to grow from $5 billion last year to $8.3 billion by 2023, there are abundant opportunities for detection firms to engage in this market.
In addition, consumers seeking the best quality calcium citrate supplement should be aware of potential fraud in dietary supplements as well, ensuring that their purchases are sourced from reputable and verified suppliers. As the demand for high-quality supplements grows, remaining informed about authenticity is crucial for both health and safety.