Chemical Analysis
Chemical analysis of foods and beverages is conducted to ensure their safety, quality, and integrity for consumer consumption. This analysis is crucial for accurate food labeling and for preventing issues such as food adulteration, misbranding, and unsafe beverages. Achieving these objectives requires a multi-faceted approach, including appropriate food legislation, stringent controls by food authorities, ongoing research by food safety agencies and academic institutions, and an increased sense of responsibility within the food industry.
Overview
Combined Monitoring Approach in Food and Beverage Industry
This combined monitoring approach is particularly important in the food and beverage industry due to the complex nature of how products come to market. For example, contamination of processed meat might come from the manufacturing process but could also originate from the animal feed or even the soil in which the feed was grown. Therefore, analytical testing in the food and beverage industry extends to environmental testing, such as soil and water quality, and air monitoring. Analytical and instrumental methods are used to assess safety, quality, and nutritional value in accordance with global and local regulations.
Nutritional Data for Packaged Food and Beverages
Nutritional data on packaged food is essential to help customers make informed decisions based on their dietary needs or manage diet-related disorders. Labeling regulations provide detailed requirements for nutritional labeling, including nutrients, amounts, and caloric values on food packages. Manufacturers also test for nutrients like carbohydrates (sugars, saccharides), dietary fiber, organic acids, sugar alcohols, fats (fatty acids, FAMES, glycerides), proteins (amino acids, peptides), sodium, vitamins, and minerals to ensure consistency in nutrient declarations.
Contamination Testing for Food & Beverage Safety
Chemical food safety analysis is vital to ensure the safe consumption of products that are free from allergens, harmful pesticide residues, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and veterinary drug residues. While advances in crop protection and food manufacturing procedures have increased food production, the long-term effects of these practices, such as the widespread use of pesticides, are continually reviewed by government regulatory agencies to ensure they do not pose harm to consumers.
Analytical Testing for Food Adulteration and Misbranding
Food authenticity testing ensures the integrity of food products, protecting consumers from adulteration and misbranding. Analytical methods are employed to detect ingredient substitutions or illegal chemical additions that alter or mask the true characteristics of food products.