Systemic verification

When using the stable isotope technique, it is essential to build up an isotope database based on references to the country of origin, region and fields. Similar to forensic fingerprint analysis, the stable isotope signatures must also be compared.

Extensive product databases from Agroisolab

Agroisolab has more than 150 different product databases. These are used to clarify specific issues such as origin or cultivation method (organic/conventional). A refined, systemic approach for customers involves the use of advance samples from suppliers to analyse causality right through to the field ( IsoTrace). In practice, these preliminary samples are compared with the later delivery batches in the isotope pattern, which also enables a comparison right up to the field.

This technique was successfully demonstrated in the official watermark project of the BLE (Federal Office for Agriculture and Food).

The samples are not lost after matching, but are stored long-term in the Agroisolab archive. With a steadily growing number of samples over several harvest years, the knowledge about the growing regions also increases continuously. The finely ground and degreased samples are also available in the long term for other analyses, such as heavy metal contamination and variety determination.

Flexible collaboration with IsoTrace

The IsoTrace system enables customers to work flexibly and closely with Agroisolab. As a rule, the IsoTrace system is customised. Key features include:

  • Storage of samples for comparison with commercial and product batches, therefore close differentiation of origin is possible.
  • The growing customer database is the property of the customer and is only used for further questions after consultation.
  • Online database: On request, all isotope signatures of the reference samples and/or test samples are made available to the customer in a password-protected online database.
  • Long-term archiving: After completion of the order, the test samples and preliminary samples are stored in Agroisolab's sample archive. All samples are available long-term for later analyses, both for isotope analysis and for other types of analysis (e.g. variety determination).

The use of IsoTrace has a high psychological benefit for our customers because, similar to an ‘anti-doping database’, the supplier is aware that long-term references are available for verification.

Iso-ID - forensic labelling based on stable isotopes

In addition to the systemic approach ( IsoTrace), Agroisolab also offers its customers flexible options for leaving a forensic marker in products based on stable isotopes.
This labelling is part of the composition of the product and is therefore usually completely invisible to regular analysis. Therefore, our labelling offers the potential to leave unique, forensic markings in products.

Agroisolab's stable isotope-based labelling techniques have already been recognised by courts as evidence and are patented, of course.

Forensic marking options are always developed and customised and are exclusive to the respective customer. They are therefore always subject to confidentiality. Agroisolab takes this into account and will only discuss the possibilities in more detail in personal consultations.