To facilitate the standardization of DNA-based testing of foodstuffs to verify authenticity, a consistent national, European and international harmonization of the respective food analysis procedures is required. It is largely recognized by relevant stakeholders that the European and international trade of foodstuffs will benefit from the use of standardized species identification methods^1,2  as experts can rely on a collection of scientifically sound, thoroughly validated, widely accepted, well-described methods. The key organizations in this context are the ‘European Committee for Standardization’ (Comité Européen de Normalisation – CEN), working closely in partnership with the ‘International Organization for Standardization’ (ISO). In the...