Molecular biology applications for authenticity testing

Our molecular biology laboratories apply advanced DNA-based testing techniques to verify the species and varietal identity of food and drink products. Using methods such as DNA fingerprinting and species-specific PCR, we compare the genetic profile of a sample against our extensive, curated reference database. 

We can apply this method to many foods and beverages, including, but not limited to:

• Meat species testing - Detect undeclared or substituted meats, ensuring accurate ingredient labelling and compliance with local and/or EU food law
• Fish species testing - Verify that fish species match the product label, helping to prevent fraudulent substitution of lower-value species
• Botanical variety testing - Confirm fruit, vegetable, and plant varieties, substantiating origin and varietal claims in high-value products and supporting seed industries and breeders with a wide and flexible range of genotyping platforms and services
• Grain and cereal verification - Authenticate wheat, rice, maize, and other cereal types for both quality and origin control
• Processed food testing - Detect animal or plant DNA in many cooked, processed, or mixed-ingredient products, depending on processing level and sample type

_{The analyses are carried out by laboratories within the broader Eurofins network.}