Geographical origin testing

Geographical origin claims on food labels are increasingly important for consumers and legislators. Breaches of traceability schemes are frequently reported. Analytical tools are therefore essential to support due diligence and secure supply chains.

Key services

  • Stable isotope ratio analysis by IRMS (typically ²H, ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ¹⁸O)
  • Site‑specific isotope information where appropriate; for example SNIF‑NMR on ethanol from wines and spirits
  • Complementary profiling such as NMR metabolomic fingerprints
  • In some cases, additional elemental or isotopic markers; for example ⁸⁷Sr for regional signals

Please note that the parameters used must demonstrate discrimination between countries or regions.

We offer single food ingredient with a declared origin verification as follows:

  • Plant product with at least a country of origin
    • Cereals including coffee; 13C, 15N, 18O
    • Fruit juice (not from concentrate); 13C, 18O, 2H
    • Wine; 13C, 18O, 2H
    • Olive oil (EU); 13C, 18O, 2H
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables; 13C, 18O, 2H
  • Plant product with a regional origin; 87Sr where relevant
  • Animal product
    • Meat and dairy; corn silage feeding signal 13C
    • Meat basic and honey; 13C, 15N, 2H
    • Milk; 13C, 15N, 18O
    • Butter; 13C, 2H, 18O
    • Cheese; 13C, 15N, 2H
    • Eggs; 18O, 2H

How geographical food origin control works

A single origin cannot be determined with absolute certainty by analysis alone; however, it is possible to check whether a product’s analytical characteristics match reference data for the declared origin. This approach is routinely applied to both plant and animal products. Plant profiles are influenced by their growth environment. Animal profiles are influenced by rearing conditions such as drinking water and local feeding. Globalised feed trade may reduce differences, but local agricultural and industrial practices can still provide differential indicators.

Non‑food natural products such as cotton, textiles and certain materials can also be assessed for origin where suitable analytical markers exist.

Advantages of using these methods

  • Evidence‑based verification: compares samples against large, curated reference datasets
  • Multi‑matrix applicability: suitable for plant and animal products, and selected non‑food natural materials
  • Complementary techniques: IRMS and NMR profiling provide orthogonal information to increase confidence
  • Decision transparency: results interpreted using defined statistical confidence intervals

Results interpretation 

Tests are most selective if the characterised geographical area of the declared origin is smaller. The basis for interpretation is the use of statistical confidence intervals based on the reference data set. A confidence level >99% is usually used for decision making.

If a sample lies outside the reference interval, it cannot belong to the declared origin and the result is reported as not consistent with the claim. If it lies inside the reference interval, it is consistent with the claim, noting that undetectable alternative origins with similar profiles may still be possible.

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