The CAIS has been instrumental in the development of methods used for the authentication of and foods and flavors and revealing adulteration of consumer products, using measurement of radiocarbon (14C) and the stable isotope ratio analysis of carbon and hydrogen (δ13C, δD).
The CAIS applies Radiocarbon techniques to reveal the addition or dilution of fossil-fuel derived materials (petroleum, coal, natural gas) in consumer products such as vanilla extract, citrus oils, cherry and almond extracts, and a whole host of other flavors used in the food and flavor industry. These carbon sources may not be used when the product’s label states “natural”. In contrast, “natural products”, those derived from recently grown plants such as corn, oranges or apples, exhibit a clearly detectable and quantifiable level of radiocarbon for their confirmation.
Natural product compounds or chemicals are those derived from modern plants without the use of extreme or robust chemical processing. Only processes such as distillation, extraction, fermentation and the like, are permissible in foods labelled “natural”. Therefore, chemical manipulation, synthesis and catalytical processes are not considered natural processes and thus exclude the material from being considered natural. Stable isotope ratio analysis allows for the detection of these “unnatural processes” and along with the radiocarbon content permit characterization of both source material and process of manufacture confirmation.
Send approximately 5-10 grams of sample, labeled on the sample as you wish it reported, with this submission form to the address on the form. We can accommodate less sample, but please verify before submission.
Prepayment is not necessary; we’ll send an invoice to your billing email on the submission form with payment instructions when the testing is completed. For information about payment options see our FAQs.
If you would like a formal quote, please fill out our submission form indicating billing contact information and requested turnaround time.
Contact the Food, Flavor, & Beverage Authenticity Testing Facility for more information.
ANALYTICAL FEES
| Analytes | Turnaround* | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 14C, δ13C, and δD | Standard TAT | $350 |
| 14C, δ13C, and δD | 7-Business Day Rush Service | $590 |
| 14C and δ13C | Standard TAT | $280 |
| 14C and δ13C | 7-Business Day Rush Service | $490 |
| δ13C, % added corn/cane | Standard TAT | $40 ea |
| δ13C, % added corn/cane | 7-Business Day Rush Service | $60 ea |
*Please contact nplab@uga.edu regarding possible additional turnaround times for submission including greater than 12 samples in one batch
