Researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Los Baños, have achieved a breakthrough in food quality monitoring with the development of a smart IoT-enabled colorimeter.
This innovative device is designed to track changes in the color and temperature of processed food ingredients in real-time, offering an affordable and efficient solution for food safety and quality control.
The device has proven particularly valuable for the study of oleogels, a healthier fat alternative used in processed foods. Traditional methods for assessing oleogel stability require expensive equipment and skilled technicians, which can be challenging for small manufacturers. By offering a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative, the IoT-enabled colorimeter allows researchers and industry professionals to monitor the crystallization of oleogels with precision.
Beyond oleogels, the device is also capable of assessing the freshness of various food products, including dairy, bakery goods, confectionery, and plant-based meat substitutes. With IoT integration, users can remotely monitor, log data, and automate analysis, making it suitable for both research and industrial applications.
Speaking about the innovation, Dr Kunal Pal, Professor at NIT Rourkela’s Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, highlighted the device’s potential to revolutionize food safety practices. “This technology empowers manufacturers with an affordable and effective way to ensure food quality, reducing waste and enhancing consumer trust,” he stated.
Looking ahead, the research team aims to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into the device to enable early detection of food spoilage, further combating food waste and enhancing food safety standards.
The project underscores NIT Rourkela’s commitment to advancing scientific research and addressing real-world challenges, with this development paving the way for safer and more sustainable food production.
