Could use-by dates be past their use-by date?
18 November, 2014Cheap electronic circuits printed with eco-friendly materials could take the guesswork out of knowing whether milk is actually out of date or whether it has a day or two left - no smelling required.
Electronic tongue successfully tests cognac, whiskey
13 November, 2014Researchers have developed a low-cost 'e-tongue', an electronic 'tongue' that could one day sample food and drinks to check for quality before they hit the shelves - or even monitor water for pollutants.
Litmus testing to detect E. coli - and maybe even cancer
14 October, 2014The good old litmus test has been adapted to detect pathogens such as E. coli in liquids. A research team set out to make testing liquids faster, easier and more affordable by using litmus dyes and paper to detect the presence of bacteria.
Non-invasive device detects malformed chickens on the production line
25 August, 2014state of conservation of poultry and detects malformations by analysing its electrical properties. It is a non-invasive system that would help to guarantee the quality of the final product before it is delivered to the consumer.
Retsch Camsizer P4 particle size and shape analyser
20 August, 2014The Retsch Camsizer system for the determination of particle size and particle shape has been upgraded. Compared to the previous model, the analyser has faster cameras with higher resolution, a stronger light source and new software features.
Microbiosensor developed to detect probiotics
28 July, 2014Mexican researchers have developed a microbiosensor that detects beneficial bacteria in food. The micromechanical device has been used to evaluate the growth of L. plantarum 299vm.
Simple DIY halal kit to be developed
14 July, 2014Malaysian researchers are developing a testing kit that identifies non-halal ingredients within one minute. The kit, developed by the University of Selangor, can be used to test food, cosmetics and medicines.
Malaysian scientists develop sarcocystis spp PCR kit
24 June, 2014Researchers from Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia have developed a PCR kit that provides a sensitive and specific means of screening, detecting and identifying sarcocystis spp.
Finding E. coli earlier and more accurately
20 June, 2014Kansas State University master's student Lance Noll has developed and validated a molecular assay that can detect and quantify major genes specific to E. coli O157.
How E. coli O157:H7 binds to vegetables
24 April, 2014Research presented at the Society for General Microbiology's annual meeting shows that the disease-causing E. coli O157:H7 interacts directly with plant cells, allowing it to anchor to the surface of a plant where it can multiply.
Food safety detective combats food fraud
10 April, 2014To combat food fraud, we need to identify which factors play a role in vulnerability of organisations and the food chain, according to Saskia van Ruth, the newly appointed Professor of Food Authenticity and Integrity at Wageningen University.
80% of hospital food contaminated with ESBL-producing E. coli
10 March, 2014A new study may have cemented hospital food's bad reputation. The study found that more than 80% of raw chicken in hospitals was contaminated with an ESBL-producing E. coli strain which is resistant to antibiotics.
Infrared technology key to non-destructive food quality testing
21 February, 2014Non-destructive food quality testing could soon be a reality, thanks to researchers from the University of Western Australia. The technique is similar to using infrared thermometers to detect body temperature.
Electronic tongue could replace human tasters, researchers say
03 February, 2014Spanish researchers have developed what they call an "electronic tongue" - an analysis system based on the human sense of taste that can distinguish between several brands of beer.
Comprehensive GM test developed
20 January, 2014In response to increased demand for monitoring and labelling of genetically modified (GM) foods, scientists have developed a comprehensive method for detecting GM ingredients. It is claimed to be the first of its kind in the world.
