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GM & Food authenticity

Fera uses the most effective and accurate chemical and molecular testing methods to confirm authenticity and provenance of foods, as well as offering up to date advice and guidance on food authentication issues.

Using powerful tools such as stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry, DNA and protein analysis, Fera helps companies throughout the food supply chain to protect product integrity and monitor compliance with labelling requirements such as those arising through use of alternative or genetically modified ingredients.

If your analytical requirements do not appear to be covered, please contact us using

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Description Determination Step Application
Genetically Modified Organisms Qualitative and quantitative PCR-based tests with a detection limit of 0.1% Multi element profiling, event specific tests
Food Authenticity and traceability    
Basmati Rice Microsatellite analysis Identifying presence of 7% non-Basmati grain in a sample
Meat Speciation DNA amplification of cytochrome B sequences Detection of turkey, chicken, duck, pheasant, quail, pork, beef, lamb, deer, horse and donkey matrices in cooked meats, pâté and pie.
Fish Identification Iso-electric focusing Identification of species from round fish, flat fish, salmon and shellfish families
Meat binding agents Protein mass spectrometry Presence and identification of species of blood based binding agents, e.g. presence of pork protein in fish and chicken
Detection of specific proteins Protein mass spectrometry Allergens
Geographical origin Stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and trace element analysis using ICP-MS Verification of food provenance, e.g. PDO, PGI labels
Corn-fed chicken δ13C IRMS Verification of labelling requirments
Verification of natural origin of food additives GC-C-δ13C IRMS For example flavours, preservatives
Alcohol characterisation δ13C stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry Source of neutral alcohol
Generic food verification systems 1H NMR Product integrity, QA
Product adulteration Specific natural isotope fractionation NMR (SNIF-NMR) Detecting addition of ethylene glycol to wine

Detection of added sugars to syrups