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Rapid assessment of food safety via novel at-line measurements

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Sophisticated instruments for safer food products

Processing some food products like wine, potable water and fruit juice may leave minute amounts of toxic contaminants. A new, highly sophisticated food analyzer has been developed that significantly aids in food safety.

Industrial Technologies icon Industrial Technologies

Modern methods of food production, though undoubtedly safer than those used in the past, may leave very small amounts of toxic contaminants in the food produced. These amounts do not present a health hazard but nevertheless attempting to closely monitor them and eventually exclude them completely from our food is undoubtedly worth the effort. Specifically, processing operations for the production of widely consumed food products, like wine and fruit juices, result in toxic chloroprene and chloroanisole fungicide residues. These compounds, also found in many other food products, are found in such small quantities as parts per billion levels. Research on critical examination of a number of food processing operations has been conducted and a measurement tool that allows improved traceability of the toxic contaminants mentioned has been produced. A foodsafe analyser, which is a biosensor with broad functional characteristics, was developed. The assembly language was used for the software development of the microprocessor, ensuring its maximum speed and performance. Signal generation is implemented with both staircase and differential pulse techniques. Interoperability and compatibility with other standard industrial equipment is accomplished with the Delphi 6 programming system that also allows visualisation and comparison of electrochemical measurements. The foodsafe analyser aims at providing the consumer with high quality safe food and is close to be patented by the developing company.

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