Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Food Test

The detection light generated in the near-infrared spectrum is an electromagnetic wave between mid-infrared light and visible light. The wavelength range of this electromagnetic wave is generally between 750 and 2526 nm. In the area of organic matter, the near-infrared spectrum mainly absorbs the frequency double and combined frequency of hydrogen-containing groups, such as CH, SH, OH, PH, NH, etc. All organic substances have hydrogen-containing groups, so relevant signals can be found in the near-infrared spectrum.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is mainly used for quantitative analysis to determine the content of certain components in a substance or the value of a substance's quality attribute. Our analysts will provide you with exclusive food testing solutions according to local laws, regulations or guidelines or according to customer specific standards. After confirming the solution with you, we will implement the solution within a quick turnaround period, and finally provide you with a detailed report.

Alfa Chemistry strictly complies with the quality assurance/quality control plan and regulatory requirements of each country and region to provide support to you. Including but not limited to the following criteria and methods: ISO, FDA/BAM, ASTM, AOAC, EC 1935/2004, LFGB, DGCCRF, DM 21/03/1973, JFSL, GB/T & SN, and UAE.S / GSO 2231: 2012.

Workflow of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis

NIR requires a standard sample set with known components to be measured. According to the near-infrared spectra of the samples in the standard sample collection, the mathematical model between the spectral characteristic values and the components to be measured is established using chemometric methods. When an unknown sample is determined, it is only necessary to measure the NIR of the sample and then use the established mathematical model to predict the content of the component to be measured. The samples used in near-infrared spectroscopy analysis can be analyzed without pre-processing, by solving the spectral matrix and the concentration matrix of the component to be measured to establish a mathematical model for analysis.

NIR spectrum of the sample (Yang et al., 2017)

Applications of Near Infrared Spectroscopy

• Measure nutrients such as sugar content and acidity of fruits and vegetables
• Assess the degree of pests and diseases and pesticide residues
• Determine the content of protein and starch in food
• Detect the water retention of meat products, measure the loss rate of meat juice and the content of dry matter
• Determine the content of preservatives in food
• Measure the proteolysis caused by microbial metabolism by irradiating the meat surface
• Food packaging inspection

Advantages of Our Near Infrared Spectroscopy Platform

• NIR technology has the advantages of rapid, simple, low cost, non-destructive and multi-component simultaneous determination.
• The mathematical model of NIR is established by principal component analysis and partial least square method.
• One-stop service platform. Technical advice is readily available.
• Professional platform. Strict quality control to ensure the accuracy of results.

Alfa Chemistry' analytical scientists have extensive experience and knowledge in near infrared spectroscopy analysis to the food industry. We can provide fast turn-around, clear and concise written reports and customized services to help customers solve your analytical and technical problems. Contact us to discuss more.

Reference:
1. Yang Z, Nie G, et al. Development and validation of near-infrared spectroscopy for the prediction of forage quality parameters in Lolium multiflorum. PeerJ, 2017, 5: e3867.