In alignment with Australia’s National Reconciliation Week, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has shared pivotal research published in the journal Food Control, highlighting the presence of fraudulent Kakadu plum extracts in online and international markets. This discovery underscores the necessity for robust measures to protect this vital industry, which is deeply intertwined with Indigenous Australian communities.
The Significance of Kakadu Plum
Kakadu plum, an indigenous Australian fruit predominantly wild-harvested from northern Australia, holds significant cultural and economic value. Indigenous Australians play a crucial role in the production of Kakadu plum, with a substantial portion of the fruit being harvested by Aboriginal communities. The fruit is highly prized for its exceptional vitamin C content and other antioxidant properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in the nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. The Kakadu plum sector, currently valued at $1.6 million, is projected to grow to $3.5 million by 2025, driven by increasing recognition of its health benefits and versatile applications.
ANSTO’s Research Collaboration to Combat Fraud
In response to the alarming spread of counterfeit Kakadu plum products, ANSTO, in collaboration with the Northern Australian Kakadu Plum Alliance (NAAKPA) and other partners, has developed a sophisticated approach to validate the provenance of Kakadu plum extracts. NAAKPA, representing Aboriginal-owned producers in the Northern Territory and Western Australia, provided genuine samples for the study, thereby playing a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of Kakadu plum products.
Scientific Techniques for Provenance Validation
The research conducted by ANSTO employed stable isotope analysis and X-ray fluorescence elemental profiling to authenticate 13 commercially available Kakadu plum powdered samples sourced online from Australian and international suppliers. These were meticulously compared against four powdered samples directly provided by First Nations harvesters. The findings were stark: all overseas-supplied powders were determined to be fraudulent, not derived from genuine Kakadu plum.
A key determinant in identifying authentic Kakadu plum was the isotopic carbon signature (δ13C), which effectively distinguished between Australian and overseas-supplied products. ANSTO has been instrumental in generating unique iso-elemental fingerprints for individual growers within the Alliance. These fingerprints, based on the isotopic and elemental profile, are unique to specific locations and can vary even between adjacent harvest areas. This data is being compiled into a reference database, which will be invaluable in tracing the origin of Kakadu plum fruits and extracts in the future.
Impact on the Kakadu Plum Industry
Dr. Mazumder, a key figure in the study, emphasized the practicality and reliability of the iso-elemental technology developed by ANSTO in detecting supply chain fraud. “While there are several techniques available for verifying food provenance, many are hindered by high testing costs, as well as issues with timeliness and accuracy. Additionally, these methods often need to be tailored to the specific characteristics of each resource. Our analysis indicates that the iso-elemental technology we’ve developed at ANSTO offers a practical and effective solution for identifying fraud in the supply chain,” he explained.
Lead author Mariel Keaney, under the supervision of Professor Neil Saintilan of Macquarie University and Dr. Mazumder, highlighted the critical nature of this research in protecting the integrity of the Kakadu plum industry. The application of science-based traceability methods developed by ANSTO is poised to safeguard this emerging industry and ensure that the benefits of commercialization are retained within First Nations communities.
Future Prospects
Paul Saeki, CEO of NAAKPA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Kakadu plum industry through scientific advancements. “The use of science-based traceability methods developed by ANSTO will protect the emerging Kakadu plum industry and ensure that First Nations communities reap the benefits of its commercialization,” he stated.
As interest in Kakadu plum extracts continues to grow, the implementation of these advanced provenance validation techniques by ANSTO will be crucial in maintaining the authenticity and value of the product. This research not only highlights the importance of scientific intervention in combating fraud but also underscores the need to support and protect Indigenous Australian enterprises that are integral to the nation’s cultural and economic fabric.
By leveraging cutting-edge scientific methodologies, ANSTO and its partners are ensuring that the burgeoning Kakadu plum industry remains a genuine and valuable asset for Indigenous Australians, fostering economic growth and cultural preservation for future generations.
