Authenticity

The basic elements of life - hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and sulphur - contain valuable information about the geographical origin of samples in their stable isotope signature.

The signature of the stable isotopes is specific from material to material and from region to region.

Incomplete material cycles or natural fractionations such as the natural water cycle provide these measurable differences in the isotope pattern.

The fingerprint of Nature

Every biomass, every agricultural raw material and every foodstuff has a natural marker, an ‘isotopic fingerprint’.

This fingerprint is only visible at an elementary level, is difficult to change and can usually only be measured using special isotope mass spectrometers (IRMS).

The isotope fingerprint not only makes it possible to trace organic material back to its place of origin, but also to detect adulteration, such as the unauthorised addition of water in food production.

The stable isotope method has been developed to such an extent that not only the country of origin, but also specific regions down to individual farms can be verified (e.g. watermark project). This can be achieved, for example, through a systemic approach.

Agroisolab utilises this technology in a variety of products. With a portfolio of over 150 product databases, Agroisolab offers extensive reference data and customised solutions (IsoTrace) for its customers.

Similar to fingerprint matching in forensics, the isotope signatures of samples are matched with the databases to confirm authenticity and origin.

Discover the possibilities of stable isotope analysis with Agroisolab and ensure the authenticity of your products.