Origin authentication of distillers’ dried grains and solubles (DDGS) – Application and comparison of different analytical strategies

In the context of products from certain regions or countries being banned because of an identified or non-identified hazard, proof of geographical origin is essential with regard to feed and food safety issues. Usually, the product labeling of an affected feed lot shows origin and the paper documentation shows traceability. Incorrect product labeling is common in embargo situations, however, and alternative analytical strategies for controlling feed authenticity are therefore needed. In this study, distillers’ dried grains and solubles (DDGS) were chosen as the product on which to base a comparison of analytical strategies aimed at identifying the most appropriate one. Various analytical techniques were investigated for their ability to authenticate DDGS, including spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques combined with multivariate data analysis, as well as proven techniques for authenticating food, such as DNA analysis and stable isotope ratio analysis. An external validation procedure (called the System Challenge) was used to analyze sample sets blind (i.e., none of the study laboratories knew the origin of the samples until the coordinator received the results) and to compare analytical techniques. All the techniques were adapted so as to be applicable to the DDGS matrix. They produced positive results in determining the botanical origin of DDGS (corn vs. wheat) and several of them were able to determine the geographical origin of the DDGS in the sample set. The maintenance and extension of the databanks generated in this study through the analysis of new authentic samples from a single location is essential in order to monitor developments and processing that could affect authentication.

VERMEULEN Philippe;  NIETNER T;  HAUGHEY S A;  YANG Yan;  TENA PAJUELO Noelia;  CHMELAROVA H;  VAN RUTH Saskia;  TOMANIOVA M;  BOIX SANFELIU Ana;  HAN L;  ELLIOTT Christopher T.;  BAETEN Vincent;  FAUL-HASSEK Carsten; 

2015-11-25

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

JRC95496

1618-2642,   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC95496,   

DOI 10.1007/s00216-015-8807-y,