SNIF-NMR and IRMS isotope analysis

SNIF-NMR and IRMS are advanced methods to analyse stable isotope ratios in food products. Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories help you verify geographical origin, detect adulteration, and support authenticity claims.

SNIF-NMR and IRMS food and beverage applications 

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

  • Wine and spirits: Identify chaptalisation and confirm declared geographical origin
  • Honey: Authenticate source and detect adulteration with exogenous sugars
  • Oils and other products: Verify botanical origin and detect fraudulent blends

Advantages of using Eurofins SNIF-NMR and IRMS analysis

  • High specificity: SNIF-NMR pinpoints isotope ratios at specific molecular sites, allowing fine discrimination between authentic and adulterated products
  • Regulatory acceptance: SNIF-NMR is recognised by several international organisations, with results accepted by regulatory bodies across the EU and internationally
  • Complementary scope: Combining SNIF-NMR with IRMS provides a broader picture of authenticity, capturing both targeted and global isotope data
  • Wide applicability: Suitable for liquids, solids, and processed products, from wine and spirits to honey and oils
  • Robust results: Provides high-quality, scientifically validated data to support regulatory compliance, brand protection, and due diligence programmes

How SNIF-NMR and IRMS work

SNIF-NMR (Site-Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation – Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)

SNIF-NMR measures hydrogen isotope ratios at specific positions within molecules. These isotope patterns vary naturally depending on botanical origin, geographical region, and production method.

This makes SNIF-NMR a powerful tool for

  • Detecting sugar additions (e.g. chaptalisation in wine)
  • Verifying declared geographical origin
  • Differentiating between natural and synthetic components in complex products

SNIF-NMR is an official OIV-recognised method for wine (over) chaptalisation detection, an official CEN method for vinegar acetic acid authenticity, and an official AOAC method for detecting added sugar in fruit juices and maple syrup, as well as checking the naturality and origin of vanillin. It provides internationally accepted results that can be used to support compliance checks and regulatory investigations.

IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry)

IRMS provides complementary analysis by measuring the global-isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and hydrogen. This supports

  • Authenticating origin claims across a wide range of foods (e.g. honey, oils, fruit juices)
  • Detecting substitution or dilution of premium ingredients
  • Confirming botanical origin in plant-derived products

Your Competence Centre for authenticity testing

The Eurofins Competence Centre for authenticity testing, Eurofins Analytics France SAS, offers authenticity testing using SNIF-NMR and IRMS profiling.

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Would you like to find out more about our testing solutions, or do you need tailored analytical support? Contact us today to get in touch with our experts.

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