Authentication of key aroma compounds in apple using stable isotope approach.

Gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS) for the analysis of key volatile compounds sampled using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) is an appropriate tool for authenticity assessment of apple aromas. The current research characterises 18 laboratory produced and 15 commercial apple recovery aroma samples, establishes a database of δC values of 16 aroma compounds with respect to their origin (synthetic and natural), and assesses the authenticity of commercially available aroma compounds. Analysis of so-called natural aroma products, revealed δC values that were within the expected authentic range although the data did reveal possible falsifications.