Determining sugar and molasses origin by non‐exchangeable hydrogen stable isotope of ethanol and carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry

• Published in: Food frontiers Vol. 5; no. 4; pp. 1709 - 1721
• Main Authors: Rojas‐Rioseco, Macarena, Fakhar, Hafiz Imran, Smajlovic, Ivan, Smajlovic, Margarita, Grkavac, Stevan, Oztop, Mecit Halil, Hayat, Muhammad Qasim, Castillo, Rosario del P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 01-07-2024
• Subjects: botanical origin; carbon isotopes; hydrogen isotopes; isotopic content; molasses
• ISSN: 2643-8429; 2643-8429
• DOI: 10.1002/fft2.418

This study explores the differentiation of sugar and molasses produced from sugar beet and cane, which are susceptible to fraudulent labeling due to differing production costs. The research aimed to authenticate these products by botanical origin using novel analytical techniques. Utilizing ethanol isotopic measurement–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) for non‐exchangeable hydrogen stable isotopes alongside carbon stable isotopes analysis through elemental analyzer–IRMS, the study accurately identified the origin of various sugar and molasses samples, pinpointed mislabeled goods, and determined the source of products with previously unknown provenance. These methods were also effective in revealing sugar and molasses adulteration and quantifying the extent of such fraud. The combined isotope analyses demonstrated their potential as robust tools for combating misrepresentation and adulteration in the sugar industry.
This study employs ethanol isotopic measurement and elemental analyzer mass spectrometry to trace the botanical origins of sugar and molasses, distinguishing between cane and beet sources. By analyzing stable hydrogen and carbon isotope ratios, the research accurately identifies mislabeled products and detects adulteration. These findings indicate that isotopic analysis is a promising tool for ensuring authenticity and preventing fraud in the sugar industry.