Avoid Counterfeit Olive Oil By Verifying Its DNA Nanoparticles

Today we learned that olive oil counterfeiting is a real thing, and not the plot of some future Wes Anderson movie. We also learned that olive oil counterfeiters' days might be numbered thanks to some tiny DNA particles that could allow the oil to be verified as authentic. Way to tackle the big issues, science.

According to authorities, food counterfeiting is actually a pretty significant problem. It generates millions in revenue for organized crime. Interpol and Europol have seized 1,200 metric tons of counterfeit or "substandard" food, as well as 430,000 liters of beverages. The problem up until now has been the challenge in labeling the products themselves — not just their containers. DNA nanoparticles solve that problem. Read more...