NIT Rourkela develops smart device for food quality

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology in Rourkela have created a new smart device to monitor food quality. This IoT-enabled colorimeter can track changes in color and temperature in real-time. It is particularly useful for monitoring oleogels, healthier fat alternatives in processed foods. The project was led by Prof. Kunal Pal and involved collaboration with a researcher from the University of the Philippines. Their work was recently published in the Journal of Food Engineering, and they have obtained a patent for their technology. This device helps solve a significant issue in the food industry. Traditionally, processed foods used solid fats containing unhealthy trans and saturated fats. Healthier options like oleogels often struggle with stability. Current testing methods for oleogel stability are costly and require skilled technicians, making it hard for small manufacturers to ensure quality. Prof. Pal believes this smart device can greatly enhance food safety and quality control. It can not only be used for oleogels but also for various food products like dairy, bakery items, and plant-based meat substitutes. The device is affordable, priced at approximately Rs 50,000, and offers real-time monitoring, IoT integration for remote access, and automated analysis. Researchers are also looking to add artificial intelligence features to help detect food spoilage early, which could reduce waste. The development team includes several researchers, ensuring a strong foundation for advancing food science and making quality control easier and cheaper for manufacturers and consumers around the world.