Tag: Food authenticity

In 2013, the 'horsegate' scandal shocked Europe, revealing that beef products across the continent were fraudulently substituted with horse meat. This incident, and many other forms of food fraud, highlight the importance of understanding terms like false lean meat, which can refer to both a specific anatomical cut and deceptive practices that mislead consumers.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), food fraud is estimated to cost the global food industry around $10 to $15 billion annually. Identifying sophisticated food fraud requires highly advanced analytical techniques to pinpoint the exact nature and origin of undeclared substances. But what is the most precise method used to identify adulteration in food? While a single 'most precise' method depends on the adulterant, techniques combining chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS/LC-MS) are universally recognized for their unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, food fraud is an intentional act of deception for economic gain, a threat that extends to the emerging cultured meat market. Learning how to detect lab grown meat is becoming an essential skill for consumers as this new technology evolves and commercializes. The key lies in understanding the subtle differences that scientific testing can expose.

Recent investigations by consumer groups and news outlets have revealed widespread concerns over honey authenticity, with significant percentages of globally sourced honey suspected of being bulked out with cheap sugar syrups. Amid this industry-wide issue, many shoppers find themselves asking: is Rowse honey actual honey?

According to reports, up to 80% of olive oil sold could be mislabeled or adulterated, meaning it is critical to know which olive oil is legitimate. Spotting the real, high-quality extra virgin olive oil among the fakes requires careful attention to detail, from the label to the taste.

Founded in Tuscany, Italy, in 1865, the Bertolli brand has deep Mediterranean heritage, but is Bertolli Mediterranean olive oil today? A significant shift in ownership and sourcing means the oil now comes from a blend of countries, both in and outside the Mediterranean region.

While many tea products carry an 'organic' label, investigative reports have sometimes uncovered mislabeled or adulterated products, making it essential for consumers to know how to tell if tea is organic and authentic. This guide provides the tools you need to make an informed choice for a healthier cup.

As early as 1934, researchers confirmed that organic substances like honey contain measurable amounts of deuterium, the heavy, stable isotope of hydrogen. This element is naturally present in all water and is incorporated into the food chain via plants, making it an inherent component of honey's unique chemical signature.

According to a 2018 study, over 38% of commercially available coconut juice samples were adulterated, primarily with added sugars. The shocking reality is that not all products are what they seem, raising the important question: is there fake coconut water?

According to a study reported by the New York Times, a significant percentage of so-called 'extra virgin' olive oils on supermarket shelves are not what they claim to be, often blended with cheaper oils. Knowing how to know if olive oil is natural is a critical skill for consumers who want to ensure they are getting a pure, high-quality product for its full health benefits.