Determining the geographical origin of milk by multivariate analysis based on stable isotope ratios, elements and fatty acids

To construct a reliable discrimination model for determining milk geographical origin, stable isotope ratios including delta C-13, delta N-15 and delta O-18, 51 elements and 35 fatty acids (FAs) in milk samples from Australia, New Zealand and Austria were detected and analyzed. It is found that all of the stable isotope ratios in the milk samples of Australia are the highest, followed by those of the samples from New Zealand and Austria. In addition, 14 elements and 8 FAs show different contents in the samples of different countries at the significance level of P < 0.05. Based on these results, a multivariate model with good robustness and predictive ability for authenticating milk origin ((RX)-X-2 = 0.693, Q(2) = 0.854) was successfully constructed. Element contents and stable isotope ratios are more reliable variables for milk origin discrimination and Rb, delta O-18, Tl, Ba, Mo, Sr, delta N-15, Cs, As, Eu, C20:4n6, Sc, C13:0, K, Ca and C16:1n7 are the critical markers in the multivariate model for verifying milk origin.

Automated summary

This study aimed to construct a reliable discrimination model for determining milk geographical origin by analyzing stable isotope ratios, elements, and fatty acids in milk samples from Australia, New Zealand, and Austria. The results showed that stable isotope ratios in Australian milk samples were the highest, followed by those from New Zealand and Austria. A multivariate model with good robustness and predictive ability for authenticating milk origin was successfully constructed based on these findings.