Authenticity testing

An authentic product is exactly what its label says it is: it has the declared name, composition, species and origin. Authenticity testing matters to producers of protected or premium products, to retailers whose ranges rely on quality claims, and to importers who want to confirm what a new supplier is delivering.

What we test

We start from what the product claims and choose the tests that can confirm or refute each claim. For identity and composition, we compare parameters such as protein, fat, sugars or dry matter with the product specification or the applicable standard of identity. For ingredients emphasised on the label, such as the percentage of meat or fruit, we check whether the declared value is supported by analysis.

DNA tests confirm the species of origin in meat and other animal products, and GMO screening supports claims about the absence of genetically modified material.

Geographical origin is proven first of all through traceability and documents. Where specialised analytical techniques would be needed, we tell you plainly what we can and cannot do.

Unlike food fraud testing, which looks for signs of adulteration (added water, syrups, short weight), authenticity testing starts from the label and checks whether each claim is correct.

Regulatory framework

• Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, including the rules on country of origin and quantitative ingredient declaration;
• Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2018/775 on the origin of the primary ingredient;
• Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 laying down the general principles of food law.

How we work

We first go through the claims to be verified and the documents available, then agree on a testing plan. Results are issued in a test report; accredited tests are marked as such on the report and are listed in the RENAR annex.