General News: Again bad vanilla harvest - risk of fraud increased!

Also in 2019 a bad crop yield of vanilla beans is predicted. The previous year's harvest was already weak and according to the Vanilla Export Association of Madagascar, which serves 80% of the world market, further losses of 20-25% are expected for this season as well.

This means that this popular aroma ingredient will become even more expensive worldwide. As a result, a further increase in fraudulent manipulations is to be expected. Fortunately, there is a method based on the stable isotope analysis with which not only the indication of origin but also the quality of the product can be checked.

Manipulations by mixing with synthetic vanillin or stretching vanilla extracts with additives can thus be reliably detected.

We advise caution, especially in the case of conspicuously favourable offers on the market.

The relevant food standards such as IFS 7 demand preventive measures for raw materials that involve a high risk of fraud. Vanilla clearly belongs in this group of typical food fraud candidates.

A batch control on the authenticity of the goods is an effective and standard-setting procedure to avoid fraud risks. Together with our laboratory partner, we have defined routine investigation packages and will be happy to advise you on what you can do to prevent fraud.

Author: Frank Mörsberger