Authentication of key aroma compounds in apple using stable isotope approach

Gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) for the analysis of key volatile compounds sampled using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) is an appropriate tool for authenticity assessment of apple aromas. The current research characterises 18 laboratory produced and 15 commercial apple recovery aroma samples, establishes a database of delta C-13 values of 16 aroma compounds with respect to their origin (synthetic and natural), and assesses the authenticity of commercially available aroma compounds. Analysis of so-called natural aroma products, revealed delta C-13 values that were within the expected authentic range although the data did reveal possible falsifications. The sensitivity of the method was evaluated through simple isotope mass balance calculation. Falsification identification is possible for most aromatic substances when the amount of added synthetic compound is in tens of percent.