Objective
Acrylamide is a human neurotoxin classified as a probable carcinogen. It is present in heat-processed foods high in carbohydrate, such as snack foods, potato crisps, breads, cereal products, and coffee. Therefore acrylamide is considered a public health risk.
Since April 2018, a new EU directive has entered into force, which urges food operators to monitor the presence of acrylamide in foodstuffs. However, existing acrylamide detection techniques rely on time-consuming, expensive and complex assays that are only conducted to a few samples of products in the laboratory.
Our INNOVATION provides a non-invasive, rapid, robust, accurate and 5x cheaper inspection system adapted for at-line and real-time monitoring. AFREELAMIDE is a detection device that uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to efficiently inspect food piece one by one and detect acrylamide.
The PROTOTYPE is currently at TRL6 and we intend to conduct several assessments under the umbrella of the SMEI Phase-1 project, before moving further. These will include experimental trials with an industrial operator (Siro Group), among others.
The AFREELAMIDE solution will be marketed by local, national and international distributors (including online distribution) with a consolidated network and experience, which are paid out commissions. Estimated Unit selling price AFREELAMIDE: 20.000€. According to financial assumptions, sales will reach more than 8 million € by 2025 with 11 employees.
Field of science
- /medical and health sciences/health sciences/public and environmental health
- /social sciences/economics and business/economics/production economics
- /natural sciences/biological sciences/biochemistry/biomolecules/carbohydrates
- /engineering and technology/other engineering and technologies/food and beverages/food safety
- /agricultural sciences/agriculture, forestry, and fisheries/agriculture/grains and oilseeds/cereals
- /engineering and technology/electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering/electronic engineering/automation and control systems
- /medical and health sciences/clinical medicine/cancer
- /social sciences/economics and business/business and management/commerce
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-1
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
33003 Oviedo
Spain
