Análise isotópica (δ13c) e legalidade em néctares de uva

The aim of this work was to develop an isotopic analysis method to quantify the carbon of C3 photosynthesis cycle in grape nectar and to identify the commercial beverages in disagreement to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) regulation. The nectars were produced in a laboratory, according to the Brazilian Law. Adulterated beverages with quantity of grape juice lower than the legal limit were also produced. Isotopic analysis measured the relative isotopic enrichment of grape nectar and its purified sugar fraction. Based on these results, it was possible to estimated the quantity of source C3 by means of isotopic dilution equation. To determine the existence of adulteration in commercial nectars, it was necessary to create a legal limit according to the Brazilian Law. One of the twelve commercial brands of nectar analyzed was classified as adulterated. The developed methodology proved to be efficient to quantify the carbon of C3 origin and identify the adulterated commercial grape nectar.