Gas Chromatography Coupled to Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-IRMS) to Check Food and Beverage Authenticity - Suitable Reference Materials to Ensure Measurement Inter-Comparability

The use of gas chromatography coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer via combustion (for Carbon 13 and Nitrogen 15) or pyrolysis interface (Oxygen 18, Deuterium) has the advantage of directly providing isotope ratio determinations of components of a complex mixture without the need for laborious purification and extraction procedures. The number of applications for GC-IRMS are broad and the technique is now used in government laboratories for the detection of adulteration in foodstuffs. In addition it is used in officially-appointed laboratories for the detection of exogenous steroids illegally used by some athletes and by police forensic teams to trace distribution networks of drugs of abuse.
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The correct implementation of this technique and the quality of the measurements produced in an official capacity is therefore of utmost importance. The use of certified reference materials is a key element in ensuring the comparability of results of trade partners and for providing credibility and quality assurance of measurements used as evidence in enforcement exercises.