Authentication of plant food products: Under the magnification of Botany Forensics

Abstract

Nowadays, food adulteration and counterfeiting are of primary concern to producers, retailers, and consumers. Therefore, the determination of product authenticity, the identification of foodstuff fraud and counterfeiting, and misleading labeling, are essential to assure all involved in the food supply chain. In the last few decades, several DNA-based techniques have become available to detect fraudulent practices. In this review, we cover the main topics associated with plant food traceability and molecular markers.