Non-invasive detection of sugar syrup adulteration of honey using near-infrared spectroscopy
ccording to European food law, no foreign substances may be added to honey as it constitutes natural foodstuff. However, various studies in the recent past have indicated that a high rate of adulteration can be observed in honey. One of the most common forms of adulteration is the inadmissible addition of industrially produced sugar syrup, which is much cheaper than natural bee honey. ...
Analyses probing the geographical origin of honey from Eastern Europe
Honey is one of the most frequently adulterated foods. The types of fraud range from dilution with sugar syrup to false declaration of the botanical or geographical origins. Whereas previously honey for sale in the EU could, for example, be labelled as a "blend of EU and non-EU honeys", the Directive (EU) 2024/1438 requires all countries of origin of a honey to be expressly stated. ...
Labelling control of pasture milk
Unlike organic milk and hay milk, which are clearly regulated in producer guidelines and EU regulations, there are no legal requirements for designations such as Alpine milk, farm milk or pasture milk. However, producers of pasture milk guarantee “natural” grazing for at least 120 or even 150 days a year for at least six hours a day. In order to provide options for protecting consumers from false claims, scientists at the Max Rubner-Institute have now examined analytical approaches for identifying pasture milk in detail. ...
Authenticity control of soya with regard to the geographical origin
Soya is one of the agricultural products for which compliance with deforestation-free supply chains applies according to EU Regulation 2023/1115. From the end of 2025 onwards, soya farmers and importers will have to prove that no forests have been destroyed for soya cultivation. Currently, the demand for soya and other protein-containing animal feed in the EU is primarily covered by imports from non-EU countries, including Brazil and the USA. ...
Assuring the quality of argan oil
Profile analysis of volatile compounds
At a price of up to €150 per litre, argan oil is one of the most expensive edible oils in Germany. Producing it from the fruit of the argan tree usually involves time-consuming hand-picking by Moroccan cooperatives run by women. When the flesh has been dried and removed, the hard kernels in the middle are manually broken open with rocks. ...