Stable isotope and multi-elemental analysis combined with statistical modeling for saffron origin authentication.

ABSTRACT: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is among the world's most valuable spices, yet its high market price and complex supply chains make it particularly vulnerable to mislabeling and fraud. To address this, we integrated stable isotope ratio analysis (δ ²H, δ ¹³C, δ ¹⁵N, δ ¹⁸O, δ ³⁴S) with multi-elemental profiling and advanced statistical modeling to authenticate saffron geographical origin. A total of 75 saffron samples-48 authentic-sourced from Morocco, Greece, Slovenia, Spain, Iran, and the United Kingdom were analyzed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These were combined with two previously published datasets, including 163 authe

SUBMITTER: Terro C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12596220 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature