ISOTOPIC COMPOSITION (δ13C) AND AUTHENTICITY OF COMERCIAL PULP, TROPICAL JUICES AND NECTARS OF MANGO

Abstract

The aim of this study was to quantify the carbon-13 of C₃ photosynthetic cycle in commercial pulps, tropical juices and nectars of mango through the technique of stable isotopes of carbon to identify the beverages at odds with Brazilian law. The relative isotope enrichment of cane sugar, additives, laboratory-fabricated beverages and commercial beverages was measured in Isotopic Ratios Mass Spectrometer (IRMS). To estimate the error of the isotopic methodology sweetened tropical juices and nectars were produced in laboratory according to their Identity and Quality Standard (IQS) and also adulterated beverages with amount of pulp below of the established by Brazilian law. In these beverages, the theoretical percentage of C₃ source was calculated and the practical percentage was determined in IRMS. The difference between these measurements represented the error of the method. The Legal Limit was calculated according to the IQS of each beverage, to determine the legality of commercial beverage. Twenty two brands of mango non-alcoholic beverages were analyzed. Twelve brands were classified as adulterated.