Today’s fragmented supply chains and sophisticated food crimes mean food authenticity is under constant threat. We understand the scale and complexity of the challenge and can help you protect consumers and your business with our dedicated food authenticity services.
Consumers expect product labels to be accurate and you want to be sure that your chosen products match agreed specifications and safety standards. Our experienced food authenticity lab will give you this reassurance.
Whether you need data to combat food fraud and supply chain negligence, or support due diligence, regulatory compliance and labelling claims - you can confidently move forward with RSSL’s food fraud detection services.
Using validated DNA food testing methods, we can identify 20 different species of meat and 50 species of fish at extremely low thresholds. This level of accuracy provides reliable data to support food authenticity strategies. From vegetarian and vegan claims substantiation using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) vertebrate screening to the use of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for bespoke analysis, our sensitive testing techniques deliver results.
Premium oils (including olive oil, evening primrose oil, walnut oil and almond oil)
Covering fatty acid and sterols, our food authenticity testing helps to protect you against low grade substitutions, adulteration and the presence of animal fats in vegan/vegetarian products.
Herbs and spices
We detect economically motivated adulteration in a wide range of high value ingredients. Saffron powder and saffron threads, oregano, basil, chilli powder, white pepper and tarragon are just some of the ingredients on our radar.
Coffee
We look at carbohydrate ratio to determine whether a coffee matches the specification or has been bulked up with something else. Our analytical focus includes arabica/robusta species and caffeine content, as well as free and total carbohydrates in soluble coffee.
Dairy
We validate the source of milk in cheese and other dairy products using PCR analysis to generate DNA profiles. Plus, the very low detection capability of our ELISA methods supports successful vegan and free-from claims substantiation.
Alcoholic spirits
Our food authenticity lab addresses potential dilution and counterfeiting issues through composition testing, alcohol analysis, water content evaluation and volatiles screening.
Cereals and grains
From tackling allergen concerns and identifying specific varieties to detecting adulteration in common wheat flour, we deliver comprehensive analysis.
Hydrocolloids
We identify commonly-used and often undisclosed hydrocolloid materials, such as guar and locust bean gum, using DNA food testing as well as spectroscopy and microscopy-based techniques.
Cannabidiol (CBD) purity
By quantifying CBD levels against specifications and screening for minor cannabinoids, our expert food fraud analysis can confirm the purity of material and levels of actives.
RSSL remains at the forefront of food authenticity testing and is proud to be recognised as a Centre of Expertise in food authenticity testing by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). Continued investment in advanced analytical techniques and pioneering scientific expertise means we deliver a service that truly meets the moment in terms of accuracy, agility and reliability.
We work collaboratively with our clients to understand the issues, unravel the complexities and devise effective solutions. From claim substantiation and composition analysis, to product reformulation and recipe checks, our targeted and non-targeted analytical strategies are designed around individual client needs.
Plus, RSSL’s UKAS-accredited labs and state-of-the-art analytical equipment provides the ideal environment to develop novel methods for authenticity testing and generate bespoke sample databases – ensuring you benefit from the best possible range of food authenticity services.
