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

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. Thirty-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 isotopic composition. The analysis followed a single-variate authentification approach using five isotope signatures, δ 18O, δ 2H, δ 13C, δ 15N, and δ 34S. The best-performing indicators for verification of the geographical origin were δ 15N and δ 34S for beef; δ 18O, δ 2H, and δ 13C for milk, and δ 2H and δ 13C 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 δ 15N and δ 34S (beef); all five tracers (eggs), and δ 13C, δ 15N, and δ 34S (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.