Intelligent label protects foods against counterfeiting and tampering

UK-based Stanelco today said its PulsLine label provides evidence of tampering which can be detected both visually and electronically, increasing the safety and integrity of a secured product. Counterfeiting and tampering can undermine consumers trust in the quality and safety of a branded food product, leading to a loss in market share. Off-the-shelf scanners, printers and software are of such high quality that even novice fraudsters can use them to create labels and packaging for counterfeit branded foods. According to a report by Canada-based Gieschen Consultancy about $8.5m of counterfeited food and alcohol products were seized by law enforcement agencies worldwide during the first half of thisyear. Stanelco claims PulsLine is the first labeling system of its kind to use a special multi-layer laminate construction, which the company has patented. The system uses a security thread similar tothe one used for bank notes. PulsLine identifies products as genuine. For enhanced security, PulsLine is designed to incorporate un-copyable bio-codes, DNA, radio frequency identification tags and holograms. The thread can also be micro-printed with a company name or logo, which can be revealed by removal of a tab pull. The security thread can be felt by hand. "In the past, counterfeiters have cut under product security seals in a manner not visually apparent, tampered with the products, then resealed them with the intent of returning the productto a retailer," Stanelco stated. "With PulsLine, a retailer can scan the seal and it will stop where the knife cut the seal, exposing the fraud." Gieschen Consultancy estimates that seven percent of the world trade is in counterfeit goods worth $350bn, dominated by fake financial instruments. The industries affected also includemanufacturers of software, automobile and aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods such as foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, clothing and personal care products. Stanelco is a UK packaging company that develops radio frequency (RF) technology, applications and biodegradable materials for food packaging. The company markets a method to seal plastic food-tray packages using radio frequency technology, called Greenseal. The company claims the technology provides a cheaper and more efficient methodheat sealing trays for an industry focused on cost cutting and food safety. External links to companies or organisations mentioned in this story: Stanleco Gieschen Consultancy