Food additives

This study demonstrates that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a fast, reagent-free method for determining salt content in ready-to-eat pickled foods. Salt content is a critical quality and safety parameter in the production of pickled vegetables and must be monitored throughout processing and in the final product. Although NaCl exhibits no characteristic NIR absorption bands, salt-induced changes in water absorbance bands enable its quantification by NIRS.

Stearic acid and stearate derivatives are produced through multistep processing and require monitoring of key quality attributes, including iodine value, acid value, moisture, ash content, melting point, and granulometry. This study demonstrates that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with the OMNIS NIR Analyzer enables rapid, nondestructive quantitative analysis of these parameters for both in-process and final-product samples.

The increasing popularity of steviol glycosides as low-calorie sweeteners requires standardized analytical methodologies for reliable quality and stability assessment. Moisture content is a critical determinant of rebaudioside M shelf life, and its quantification via oven-based sample preparation coupled with volumetric Karl Fischer titration provides a precise and reproducible approach. Integration with automated systems such as the 874 Oven Sample Processor further enhances analytical throughput and operational efficiency.

Corn starch serves as a gelling and thickening agent in the confectionary industry. It is also an ideal reusable molding and drying medium for starch-molded candies, where its moisture content is critical to monitor. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a rapid, reagent-free method to determine moisture and protein content in corn starch. The technique is straightforward to operate and suitable for atline monitoring or routine quality control laboratories.

The Rancimat method determines the oxidation stability (OSI) and antioxidant capacity (SI) of solid foods. OSI measurements are performed directly, with extracted isolated fat, or via the polyethylene glycol method. SI can be determined when the sample is mixed with a reference of antioxidant-free fat.