Authenticity of sugar – Identification of plant source and determination of geographical origin of sucrose

Abstract

The isotope ratios of water, organic matter and micronutrients from food are dependent on the circumstances and sites of their origin and production. Analytical methods, based on mass spectrometry, are established for routine determination of isotopes. Differentiation between metabolic pathways of C3 and C4 plants is realizable by determination 13C/12C ratios which can distinguish and identify sucrose from pure beet (Beta vulgaris) and pure cane (Saccharum officinarum). Influenced by the worldwide hydrological cycle the isotope ratios of 2H/1H and 18O/16O vary systematically, the variations give information about geographical origin. The exemplarily determination of authenticity is demonstrated by using mass spectrometric isotope ratio evaluation for identification of plant source and geographical origin with the help of selected sugar samples with known origin.