CSIRO launches trove of data on “food’s unique fingerprint”

The CSIRO has launched a new trove of isotopic data, which it says is “an important new national resource” for protecting and extending the nation’s reputation for “high-quality, safe, and sustainably-produced food”.

Describing such data as “food’s unique fingerprint”, it said the new Isotopes.au site “consolidates a treasure trove of isotopic data” from Australia’s research institutes into a single, open-access resource. 

This can be used by regulators and industry “to verify a food’s provenance and sustainability claims and ensure compliance with trade regulations” according to a statement from CSIRO on Monday. 

The data can be used to know where food commodities were grown, and what water was used or carbon emissions created due to production.  

CSIRO lead scientist, Dr Nina Welti (pictured), said the resource could also underpin development of sustainability standards for Australia’s food exporters.

“Customers increasingly want to know where and how their food was sourced so they can make ethical and more sustainable choices,” said Welti.  

“Isotopes are unique chemical ‘fingerprints’ that imprint clues of a product’s origin, as well as the inputs that went into production, and environmental factors like soil nutrients and groundwater flows. 

“This is just the beginning of capturing Australia’s wealth of isotopic data into one place – Isotopes.au – to help industries demonstrate how they’re meeting environmental targets for greater transparency with trading partners and consumers.” 

The database was developed by CSIRO in partnership with Geoscience Australia, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), and the National Measurement Institute, with co-investment from the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). 

Picture: supplied