Considering recent market developments and the growing risk of fraudulent practices in the fruit juice sector, the International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association (IFU) has released this updated information to safeguard industry integrity and consumer trust.
The combination of reduced crop volumes, price volatility, and increasingly sophisticated methods of deception—including misleading specifications, falsified documentation, and the use of AI-generated promotional materials—has heightened the vulnerability of the global juice supply chain. By providing timely guidance and reinforcing compliance expectations, we aim to prevent adulteration and ensure that only authentic, safe, and high-quality juices reach consumers worldwide.
Supplier verification and laboratory testing to ensure compliance with international legislation and food safety standards is key. IFU recommends the following tools to prevent adulteration:
1. IFU Methods: The IFU offers a range of analytical methods and recommendations to detect adulteration. These are some examples:
- IFU 58 - Determination of Hesperidin and Naringin HPLC (2005) to determine different citrus.
- IFU 59 - Determination of Total Carotenoids and Individual Groups (2008) to distinguish orange from mandarin.
- IFU 71 - Anthocyanins and Betalains by HPLC (2023) to compare typical anthocyanin profiles.
- IFU R03 - The Use of Isotopic Procedures in the Analysis of Fruit Juices (2020) to detect different types of adulteration in juices
- IFU R17 - How to estimate the juice content of juice-based drinks and nectars (2025) to estimate juice content accurately across a wide range of juice-based beverages and nectars.
- IFU R18 - The Use of DNA Methods in the Analysis of Fruit Juices, Purées & Concentrates (2013) to detect adulterations in low levels.
More information: List of all IFU Methods - International Fruit and Vegetable Juice Association.
2. AIJN Code of Practice (CoP): The AIJN CoP provides guidelines for the authenticity and quality of fruit juices, ensuring that products meet established standards in Europe and other areas.
3. SGF/IRMA Approval: Purchasing from SGF/IRMA approved suppliers ensures that raw materials are authentic and comply with industry standards.
More information: Voluntary Control System.
4. Regulatory Frameworks: Adherence to Codex Alimentarius, EU regulations, FDA standards, and national food laws is essential to maintaining industry credibility.
Also, feel free to contact IFU Technical Director Aintzane Esturo at aintzane@ifu-fruitjuice.com.
