Stable isotope ratios, major, trace and radioactive elements in emmental cheeses of different origins

L. Pillonel, R. Badertscher, P. Froidevaux, Georg Haberhauer, S. Hölzl, Peter Horn, A. Jakob, Unknown Pfammatter, U. Piantini, Andreas Rossmann, R. Tabacchi, J.O. Bosset

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Twenty Emmental cheeses from six European regions (Allgäu (D), Bretagne (F), Finland, Savoie (F), Switzerland and Vorarlberg (A)) were analysed for stable isotope ratios such as 13C/I2C, 1SN/'4N, 11()/16() , D/H and 87Sr/s6Sr, as well as major (Ca, Mg, Na, K), trace (Cu, Mn, Mo, I) and radioactive elements (9°Sr, z34U, 238 U). The discriminating potential of these parameters was evaluated using difference tests of mean values and principal component analysis (PCA). "Finland", "Bretagne" and "Savoie" cheeses were well separated using S 13C-, S "N-, SZ H- and Ss7Sr-values. Concentrations of molybdenum and sodium allowed the groups "Switzerland", "Vorarlberg" and "Allgäu" to be separated. 9°Sr activity was highly correlated with the altitude of the production zone. Using this parameter, "Finland" and "Bretagne" were separated from "Vorarlberg" cheese. The results of the current screening test will help selecting the best tracers of origin for the remainder of the project.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)615-623
Number of pages9
JournalLWT - Food Science and Technology
Publication statusPublished - 2003

Research Field

  • Not defined

Keywords

  • authenticity
  • geographic traceability
  • Emmental cheese
  • stable isotope ratio
  • trace element
  • radioactivity

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