Sage-shoppers stuffed... as herbs bulked up with other leaves

IT’S the go-to herb for pasta sauce, sausages and Christmas stuffing. But just how pure is the sage you’re buying?

Researchers found that more than a quarter of the sage samples they tested had other substances added.

The team from Queen’s University Belfast studied 19 samples from major online retailers, well-known supermarkets and independent shops.

Results showed that just over 25% had been mixed with other leaves, including olive leaves, in a process called adulteration.

While the leaves detected are not believed to be harmful, food fraud always carries the potential for food safety and public health hazards. The ‘bulking agents’ are generally of very low or no value and are often waste products from other forms of food processing.

To the naked eye, the leaves look genuine, the researchers said.

The scientists said none of the brands sold by the big supermarket chains was found to be fraudulent. They have shared their findings with the Food Industry Intelligence Network, the UK’s National Food Crime Unit and the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit.

The same research team previously uncovered the high extent of fraud in oregano supplies. Their findings were followed up by a number of food standards agencies around the world and at least one person was prosecuted.

Professor Chris Elliott, lead author of the study, said: ‘I am sad to confirm that once again we have identified a major problem linked to the supply chains associated with supplies of herbs and spices.’

He said the ‘potential to cheat in these supply chains has been recognised as a global issue’, adding: ‘Testing has shown that just over 25% of all sage samples analysed were heavily adulterated.

‘On a more positive note, I am pleased to advise that after the shockwaves caused by our original oregano study in 2015, in our new survey, only one incidence of adulteration of oregano was found. This clearly shows that when supply chains are checked, it reduces the incidence of fraud substantially.’