Milk adulteration: what laboratory testing methods are available?
Milk adulteration is a threat to the quality and conformity of dairy products. What methods can be used to detect these frauds quickly, reliably and ...

Scientifically verify whether your products are of natural or synthetic origin using carbon-14 and isotopic analysis.
CIRAM supports industry players in authenticating their products and formulations, detecting potential substitutions of fossil-based ingredients, and validating their “natural origin” claims in accordance with naturalness standards.
As allegations regarding the origin of products become increasingly common across various industries, companies must be able to substantiate the true origin of their ingredients with reliable scientific evidence.
Verifying natural origin helps address several key challenges:
Naturalness can no longer simply be claimed; it must now be demonstrated through reliable scientific analysis.
Discover application fieldsCommitted cosmetics brands, suppliers of natural ingredients and green chemistry manufacturers trust us to scientifically certify the naturalness of their products.
A naturalness analysis thus makes it possible to determine whether a product, ingredient, or formulation truly comes from natural sources or contains synthetic components. It is particularly well-suited for:
This approach is now essential in sectors where the perception of naturalness is a key differentiator.
Request a quote
At CIRAM, we use a cross-analytical approach to rigorously assess whether a product or ingredient is of natural or synthetic origin:
Theradiocarbon dating (carbon-14) is used as a tool to verify the true origin of raw materials and formulations. In particular, it enables the detection of fossil-derived carbon in products claimed to be natural. Substances derived from recent biomass contain carbon-14, whereas synthetic or petrochemical compounds do not. This difference provides a robust scientific basis for identifying substitutions and validating claims of naturalness. Unlike bio-based content analyses, which quantify a material’s composition, this approach aims to authenticate its true origin.
In addition, isotopic analysis helps refine the interpretation by identifying the botanical, animal, or synthetic origin of the ingredients and by detecting certain forms of biosynthesis. For example, it makes it possible to distinguish a natural flavor from a biosynthetically produced one.
This combination of analyses ensures a reliable and reproducible assessment that complies with naturalness standards, even for formulated or processed products.
Request a studyAt CIRAM, we have structured our analysis process to guarantee reliable, standardized and directly usable results:
We work with you to analyze your needs: validation of a "100% natural" claim, compliance with a reference standard, marketing differentiation, etc.
We select the most appropriate approach: radiocarbon analysis alone or combined with isotope analysis, depending on the product and standards targeted.
You'll receive simple instructions on how to prepare and send your samples in conditions that guarantee their integrity.
Our experts carry out the analysis according to strict, validated protocols, with quality controls at every stage.
You'll receive a detailed report, ready to be incorporated into your communication materials, certification files or tender responses.
When you choose CIRAM, you benefit from the expertise of an independent scientific laboratory, specialized in materials analysis and recognized for the reliability of its results. For over 20 years, we have been working with industries faced with the growing challenges of traceability, conformity and product enhancement.
We bring you :
In a market where naturalness is a key differentiator, scientific evidence becomes a decisive competitive advantage.
Contact our teamsYes, our methods apply equally to ingredients and finished products, even complex ones.
Yes, our reports comply with the requirements of our standards and are recognized by certification bodies.
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended to justify your declarations, avoid disputes and reinforce your credibility.
On average 5 to 10 working days from receipt of sample.
Yes, we regularly carry out comparative analyses to help our customers make strategic choices.
Measure the proportion of renewable raw materials in your formulations and certify their biobased origin.
Determine the biobased content of your fuels and quantify biogenic emissions in line with environmental standards.
Make sure your products meet international standards for biobased content by following ASTM D6866.
Milk adulteration is a threat to the quality and conformity of dairy products. What methods can be used to detect these frauds quickly, reliably and ...
Test the naturalness of your flavors and dietary supplements using radiocarbon and stable isotopes. Carbon 14 and stable isotopes allow...
Stable isotope measurements play a key role in the quality control and traceability of industrial materials. But how can you be sure of the reliability of your results? By entrusting your...
Increasing demands for traceability and sustainability make ISCC Plus certification a strategic asset for manufacturers involved in biobased products. Find out more...
EN ISO 21644 is an essential standard for ensuring the compliance and traceability of solid recovered fuels (SRF). But how can you be sure that your materials comply ...
Honey adulteration is a growing threat to the industry, compromising quality, conformity and traceability. Addition of exogenous sugars, falsification of origin, purity tests ins...