Advanced chemometric
methods applied for
authentication and traceability of Transylvanian agriproducts

Proof of provenance is an important topic for food safety, food quality and consumer protection, as well as the compliance with international standards, national legislation and guidelines. Quality assurance and methods used to authenticate foodstuffs are of great interest from both commercial and legal point of view. Fingerprinting techniques are not necessarily focused on the identification of all constituents, but rather on the pattern’s recognition, so-called matrix fingerprint. Up to now, the impact upon mineral and isotopic composition, along the production chain, from fresh raw material to final food product, was poorly evaluated. This project will highlight the usefulness of mineral and isotopic composition as geographical tracers, no matter if the matrix is processed or unprocessed. By starting to implement traceability system of agriproducts, the consumer confidence and awareness are increased, thus motivating the producers to invest financial and human resources in this chain. It can be stated that implementation of traceability concept for Transylvanian agriproducts, represents a win-win situation, meaning that, the local community can benefit from fresh and nutritional high-quality food, and at the same time, support sustainable farming in the region.