From inspection to analysis: A combined approach to identifying counterfeit whiskeys using HS-GC-FID and bottle integrity

Counterfeiting of alcoholic beverages, particularly high-value spirits such as whiskey, presents significant challenges for regulators, manufacturers, and consumers. In this study, we introduce and validate a novel application of headspace extraction (HS) followed by gas chromatography with flame io...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forensic science international 2024-04, Vol.357, p.111977-111977, Article 111977
Main Authors: Bigão, Vítor Luiz Caleffo Piva, da Costa, Bruno Ruiz Brandão, Gomes, Nayna Cândida, Santos Júnior, Wilson José Ramos, Marinho, Pablo Alves, De Martinis, Bruno Spinosa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accuracy
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages
Beverages
Bottle material unconformities
Calibration
Chromatography
Consumer protection
Counterfeit
Counterfeit whiskeys
Counterfeiting
Ethanol
Ethanol-content determination
Flame ionization
Fraud
Gas chromatography
Headspace
Headspace extraction
Inspection
Ionization
Liquor
Methods
Quality control
Spirits
Variance analysis
VOCs
Volatile organic compounds
Whiskey
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Summary:Counterfeiting of alcoholic beverages, particularly high-value spirits such as whiskey, presents significant challenges for regulators, manufacturers, and consumers. In this study, we introduce and validate a novel application of headspace extraction (HS) followed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for the quantitative determination of ethanol content in 42 suspected counterfeit brazilian samples of whiskeys. This method, in conjunction with visual inspection of material inconsistencies, offers a combined approach to identify potential cases of fraud. The HS-GC-FID findings revealed that only 19% of the analyzed samples had ethanol content in the limits declared on the label, emphasizing the role of ethanol content as a chemical marker for suspected beverage fraud. [Display omitted] •Headspace extraction followed by gas chromatography to examine seized whiskeys.•Ethanol content determination combined with material inspection of suspected samples.•Ethanol content is an important chemical marker of counterfeiting.
ISSN:0379-0738
1872-6283
DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111977