CHICAGO — A new study in the April issue of the Journal of Food Science, published by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), analyzes products that could be targets for economically motivated adulteration of food and food ingredient fraud.
Food fraud happens when a food ingredient is replaced partially or in whole with something different without the knowledge of the purchaser.
“The vast majority of food fraud is primarily technical and economical,” said study author John Spink, PhD associate director and assistant professor of the anti-counterfeiting and product protection program within the school of criminal justice at Michigan State University. “However, there are some cases where there can be serious health consequences as illustrated when melamine was added to infant formula and pet food in order to falsify the level of protein content in these products.”
The study authors created a new database of information about known, problematic ingredients and detection methods. After reviewing 1,305 records from 677 references, the researchers found that the most reported targets for adulteration were olive oil, milk, honey, saffron, orange juice, coffee and apple juice.
According to the study, the database of food fraud presented in this research offers a starting point to better understand the scope, scale and threat of food fraud issues. Analysis of the information in this database can helpentify problematic ingredients and facilitate the development of innovative detection methods to protect the food supply. This database was published in the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention’s Food Chemicals Codex, 8th edition.
To obtain a copy of the full study, please contact Mindy Weinstein at mweinstein@ift.org, 312-604-0231.
About Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) For more than 70 years, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has been unlocking the potential of the food science community by creating a dynamic global forum where members from more than 100 countries can share, learn, and grow. We’ve helped the members of this community connect both in person, through scientific and technical education venues and forums such as the world’s largest annual food expo, and virtually, through our publications and other resources. By serving as a leading advocate for food science and a catalyst for change around the world, we’ve educated the media and policy makers and worked with governments to shape regulations. As a visionary organization, IFT is feeding the minds that feed the world. To learn more visit: www.ift.org
Additional Resources:
- Food Fraud: What Does it Mean and Who is at Risk?
- National Center for Food Protection and Defense
- USP Food Fraud Database
For more information, contact: Mindy Weinstein Director of Media Relations Phone 800.IFT.FOOD Email: mweinstein@ift.org