Application of multiple stable isotopes to aid identification of the origin of regional and organic animal products in Hesse, Germany

Gatzert, Xenia; Chun, Kwok P.; Hermanowski, Robert; Mäder, Rolf; Breuer, Lutz; Gattinger, Andreas; Orlowski, Natalie

Abstract

There is an increasing global demand for regional and organic produce. However, the growth of these markets depends on consumers’ trust. Thus, novel methods must be developed to aid the verification of the origin of produce. We built on our previous study, to identify the geographical origin and production method of animal-derived food products. 38 samples of eggs, 99 of milk, 34 of beef and 62 of pork were collected from different regions in central Germany and analysed for their stable isotope composition. The analysis followed a single-variate authentification approach using 5 isotope signatures, δ18O, δ2H, δ13C, δ15N and δ34S. The best performing indicators for verification of the geographical origin were δ15N and δ34S for beef; δ18O, δ2H, and δ13C for milk, and δ2H and δ13C for pork. These tracers indicated statistically significant differences among regions with the exception of pork, the results recorded for eggs were inconclusive. It was possible to distinguish between production methods by means of δ15N and δ34S (beef); all 5 tracers (eggs), and δ13C, δ15N and δ34S (milk). This study demonstrated how the analysis of stable isotopes can be employed to determine the geographic region of origin and production method of animal-derived products in Germany.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 9, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 19, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 9, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 20, 2024
• Journal: Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies
• Print ISSN: 1025-6016
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-2639
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 59
• Issue: 4-6
• Pages: 490-510
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2023.2273941
• Keywords: food authenticity; origin of foodstuffs; analysis of stable isotopes; regional origin; food security
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11167660