Heavy isotopes

Before to start writing this contribute on the use of “heavy elements isotope ratio” for food traceability purposes, let us to underline our though about this nowadays important topic. In fact, it is fairly common to closely link the use of isotope ratios parameters, either of light or bio elements and heavy ones, as tools against food counterfeiting. Furthermore, it is worth to highlight how these indicators tackled rather successfully this task. Nevertheless, another important aspect, largely lacking (or neglected), needs to be considered. Indeed, geographical traceability of food should be considered as an opportunity to increase food quality. The objective possibility to link the food to its production territory (its “terroir”) represents an opportunity of growth for both the producers and the consumers.