TEXTILES.ORG
A DNA-authentication technology was recently used to interdict a shipment of mislabeled textiles that resulted in more than $1 million of inventory being held in quarantine.
The technology, developed by Applied DNA Sciences of Stony Brook, N.Y., intercepted products consisting of an assortment of yarn, finished fabric and garments that could have been mislabeled, and subsequently marketed and sold in retail outlets in the United States and around the world.
Some manufacturers are known to substitute cheaper fibers during the spinning of yarn and the weaving of fabric. Fiber substitution increases the gross margin for the manufacturer, but lowers product quality, durability, color fastness, texture and even safety.
In the past, Applied DNA Sciences has independently purchased garments and linens and, through its DNA-authentication testing, has revealed in some cases that as much as 80 percent of the products tested were not compliant with their own product labeling. In the United States, such mislabeling is in violation of the Lanham Act, normally enforced by the Department of Justice and monitored by the Federal Trade Commission.
Applied DNA Sciences provides botanical-DNA-based security and authentication solutions and services.