New anti-fraud tool aims to be ‘on the dot’

Counterfeiting is a major problem in the global food and drink industry with the level of fraud estimated at around $50bn a year, claims John Spink, director of the Packaging for Food and Product Protection (P-FAPP) initiative at Michigan State University.

Life Technologies and Nanosys this week announced a partnership to use quantum dots, also known as fluorescent nanocrystals, to provide what they claim is a forge-proof stamp of authenticity to stop such counterfeiting.

Fingerprint​

Vicki Singer, head of global out licensing for Life Technologies, explained that the nanocrystals can be mixed in ink and printed onto surfaces in a precise pattern of colours, providing a fingerprint detectable under blue, violet or ultraviolet light.

“Quantum dots can be used to print codes or patterns on labels for food or beverage products that are effectively invisible to the naked eye, but can be used to specifically identify the source of the product as authentic, when visualized with a special detection device,” ​she said.

Singer said that as multiple quantum dots can be combined together into unique mixtures to make such labels, there are a large number of codes that are possible to make, and the pattern in which they are printed can also be part of the unique identifiers.

“The quantum dots would not be included in or mixed into the food and beverages themselves, keeping the food supply clean and pure,”​ she continued.

Complex production ​

An OECD report, published in 2007, noted that counterfeiters are becoming more nimble in responding to security measures aimed at thwarting fraud such as holograms and modifications to printed data codes, and it stressed that counterfeiters were being aided in this by ever improving and cheaper manufacturing, computing and printing technology.

However, Singer told FoodProductionDaily.com that the complexity of the manufacturing process of the quantum dots will make them impossible to counterfeit.

She said that both companies have invested years and a lot of resources in developing the technology behind the dots, but Singer would not be drawn as to when food and beverage companies could actually avail of this new security measure for their products.

Risk and cost factors​

When asked about the safety aspect of the dots, she said that, as in the case of all polymers and inks, safety would need to be tested for each specific formulation.

In terms of cost, Singer said it is anticipated that the quantum dots will be used at very low concentrations and as a result both companies feel that it should be possible to agree on a pricing structure that will appeal to food and beverage processors.

Consumer resistance ​

She said that the companies will also work with manufacturers to develop systems that meet their requirements, and also to ensure consumer confidence in the use of nano materials in this way.

“As the nanoparticles themselves are not intended to be ingested by consumers or handled directly by such parties, we think there is a good probability of acceptance,”​ added Singer.

Most faked goods​

According to the OECD report fruit such as kiwis, conserved vegetables, milk powder, butter, ghee, baby food, instant coffee and alcohol drinks are some of the most faked food and drink items. And the study found that alcohol products are the prime targets for counterfeiters in the drinks sector, both because of their brand value and the high tax and excise component of the final price.