Digital tools for verifying trust in organic and GI food labelling
“Organic and GI labels depend on consumer trust,” says Angelos Amditis, R&D director of the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems at the National Technical University of Athens, and project coordinator of THEROS(opens in new window). “Any case of fraud, such as mislabelling or non-compliance with organic standards, undermines that trust. We wanted to make trust verifiable, affordable and data-driven across the entire value chain.”
Digital tools for real-time verification
THEROS has developed an operational system for monitoring, verification, adulteration detection and traceability, integrating all components through its harmonisation and verification platform. One key innovation is a portable near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, which uses light to analyse a product’s chemical fingerprint. Linked to machine learning models, it provides quick, non-destructive checks of quality and authenticity. “It can detect adulteration or quality deviations in seconds, directly in the field,” notes Amditis. The DNA-based authenticity toolkit applies portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) models to verify a product’s species or origin on-site. In Spain, the system achieved over 95 % accuracy in identifying mussel species within the Galician protected designation of origin (PDO) chain . THEROS also integrated Earth Observation models based on Copernicus Sentinel-2(opens in new window) imagery, using machine learning to detect crop types and organic management indicators even on smallholder plots. Combined with the internet of things (IoT) monitoring network, the system automatically records environmental and transport data, feeding into a Digital Product Passport and blockchain layer that securely store verified records.
Testing the toolbox across Europe
The project ran four pilots in Czechia, Greece, Serbia and Spain, each representing different parts of the organic and GI-labelled food chain. In Serbia, the combination of satellite data and NIR sensing revealed inconsistencies between declared organic practices and real field conditions. In Spain, the DNA toolkit confirmed mussel species authenticity, while in Czechia, IoT devices and blockchain demonstrated automatic issuance of digital transport certificates. The pilots also validated each tool in real operating conditions, confirming that the integrated system could detect inconsistencies and speed up verification decisions. Certifiers and farmers reported reduced paperwork and easier access to compliance data, while the platform’s interoperability ensured smooth data exchange between all actors in the value chain. THEROS has also shifted verification from snapshot inspections to a continuous digital process. Earth Observation provides regular updates, sensors and blockchain ensure tamper-proof data, and DNA or NIR tools deliver immediate, lab-grade checks in the field. The result is faster detection, fewer repetitive audits and stronger evidence across the value chain.
Building lasting confidence
Beyond technology, THEROS is changing how verification systems work for both farmers and inspectors. Producers can upload verified data directly to the same platform used by certifiers, turning compliance into collaboration. The project also developed the Green Accountability Tool(opens in new window) to assess the environmental performance of farms and products over time. It aggregates indicators such as carbon footprint and soil health into a visual dashboard, helping producers improve their practices and providing clear sustainability performance data for authorities. In the longer term, the project aims to make digital trust a shared asset across the food system. THEROS targets up to 30 % lower inspection costs and 40 % faster verification, while reducing fraud across the value chain. The team plans to ensure the system continues beyond the project, evolving into a digital infrastructure that supports authentic, sustainable food production in Europe. “Our vision is for THEROS to become a long-term reference for transparency and trust in sustainable food systems,” concludes Amditis.
