Abstract: The present invention relates to merchandising components for authenticating products, combinations that include the merchandising component and a product, methods of associating the merchandising component with a product, and methods of utilizing the merchandising component to authenticate a product. More particularly, the merchandising component includes an authentication component capable of producing a two-dimensional, human readable image upon irradiation with electromagnetic radiation. Advantageously, the image produced is unambiguous and capable of being verbally described in an objective manner. The image so produced can be compared with an authentication image, or verbal description thereof, known to be associated with the product in order to reach an authentication determination about the same.