Meat and seafood Authenticity Testing
From species identification and proving geographic origin to feeding regime verification and adulteration screening, we offer rigorous and intelligent analytical testing to support labelling claims and due diligence across a wide range of meat and fish products.
What we test
Meat and seafood are two of the categories in the international food chain most vulnerable to fraud, as the 2013 horsemeat scandal made clear. Our testing programme covers everything from multi-species screening in highly processed products through to isotope-based geographic origin and feeding regime verification, giving you the evidence to substantiate any label claim.
Multi-species proteomic screening
We've developed a validated LC-MS/MS method capable of simultaneously detecting nine meat species in highly processed products including beef, pork, horse, goat, lamb, donkey, rabbit, chicken and turkey - to a limit of detection of ≤1% w/w.
Geographic origin verification
Using stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA), we can verify the geographical origin of beef and other meat products, including Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) claims such as Scotch Beef.
Feeding regime verification
We verify grass-fed and corn-fed labelling claims using carbon isotope analysis, confirming whether livestock diets match the claims made on pack.
Polyphosphate screening
Our NMR-based method detects added phosphates in prawns, white fish and chicken — distinguishing naturally occurring phosphates from added polyphosphates to support labelling declarations.
Gelatine origin analysis
Using our proprietary GelSpec LC-MS/MS method, we determine whether food products or ingredients contain ruminant or porcine gelatine — requisite due diligence for religious, dietary and labelling compliance.
Farm origin verification
We offer stable isotope-based farm origin verification for chicken, using a statistical broiler model built on HCNS isotope ratios from farm water and feed.
