Magnetic DNA Labels to Prevent Counterfeit Olive Oil
Magnetic DNA labels may soon be used to prevent counterfeit olive oil. Sixty-nine percent of the extra-virgin olive oil sold in the US is counterfeit.
Chemists have found a way to dissolve synthetic DNA into oils to label the oil products, so companies and distributors can verify the quality and authenticity of the olive oil. The new technique can also help discover any adulteration of the product, as manufacturers often add cheaper and easier-to-produce oils, such as soybean oil to olive oil.
The new DNA labels would cost about 0.02 cents a liter; the same as traditional bar-codes. The synthetic DNA can remain in the oil for two years without getting damaged, and does not change the clarity or taste of the oil, and is safe to consume. More….
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