Use of NMR applications to tackle future food fraud issues

Background NMR targeted and untargeted methodologies are widely recognized as important tools for food authentication and the detection of counterfeit products. Targeted approaches allow the identification of specific markers of identity/adulteration for a given foodstuff. In the untargeted approach, the chemical profile of the whole foodstuff is used to create a unique fingerprint as a reference for suspect samples. The untargeted analysis methodology typically follows the metabolomics approach. Scope and approach In this manuscript we discuss how both targeted and untargeted NMR methodologies are applied in routine use for food fraud monitoring. The cost-effective approaches for routine application are discussed using examples of Food Screener™ and benchtop low-field instruments. Key findings and conclusions Several examples of routine consolidated NMR targeted and untargeted applications are reported and the food matrices that are problematic for the NMR application are discussed. The future NMR implementation into routine practise will rely on the further exploration of FoodScreener™ like platforms for simultaneous targeted and untargeted applications and the continued development of applications for low-field benchtop instrumentation.