Australian orange juices from major growing regions have been surveyed over
a 5 year period with a view to establishing a database of O-18/O-16 isotop
e ratios against which retail samples can be tested for authenticity. The O
-18/O-16 ratios were found to follow a consistent pattern that had both a c
yclic seasonal and a regional influence. Oxygen delta values ranged from a
summer maximum of >+15 parts per thousand for oranges from inland regions t
o a winter minimum of similar to+1 parts per thousand for oranges grown in
coastal areas. However, over a shorter time period, the range of values was
markedly less than this. Concentrated orange juices, pulpwashes, and peel
extracts, as well as other citrus types, were also tested. The effect of so
me industry practices that have an effect on O-18/O-16 ratios was also inve
stigated.