Page 55 - FoodFocusThailand No.206 MAY 2023

STRONG QC & QAQA
STRONG QC &

Spectrophotometer Limitations
The most popular color measuring device is the Color is one of the most
spectrophotometer, which uses a sensor to
measure the spectral reflectance color at important factors to consider
different wavelengths. Then the device converts when choosing a product due to
it to various system color values, as mentioned its ability to convey the taste
above, to make it accurate and suitable for and quality of food.
inspection and color quality control. But this So, new technology for an
instrument is expensive and requires a large
number of analytic samples. It cannot be denied automated colorimeter with a
that the production process of natural modern controller is
ingredients or seasonings without chemical use worth keeping an eye on for
may incur higher costs due to the additional further use in the food industry
technology required, such as ultrasound-assisted
extraction. Additionally, the extraction process
without chemicals may result in a slower release
of active ingredients, leading to a reduction in the
quantity of active ingredients in the final product. analytical results compared to a conventional method, using this
As a result, the quantity of samples used for device also reduces sample usage, waste, and analysis time.
property analysis is crucial in spice product These fulfill both consumers’ and manufacturers' needs,
development before requesting clean label especially those who are looking for green chemistry analytical
approval. methods.

To a New Device that Makes Color
Measurement Easier
A new automated colorimeter device is currently More Information Service Info C007
under development, which includes a sampler
module created using 3D printing technology, and
a signal measuring module built on the peristaltic
pump principle that moves the solutions from the
sampler module to the flow cell for measurement
using a controller . This signal measurement
1
module is based on the RGBC (red, green, blue,
and clear) responses of a sensor that converts
2
color light into digital signals. The device is
programmable to meet the user's specific
needs and is designed with low material and
production costs, making it suitable for small to
large industries. Also, according to a comparison
of the results obtained using the reference method,
a spectrophotometer, and the new device, the
results are not significantly different. Furthermore,
this device reduces waste, generating only 18.5%
of the waste compared to the reference method
due to a lower sample amount used in an
analysis.
It is well known that color is one of the most
important factors to consider when choosing a
product due to its ability to convey the taste and
quality of food. Color measurement is therefore
considered another important process for the
food industry and the first step in product quality
control. So, new technology for an automated
colorimeter with a modern controller is worth
1
keeping an eye on for further use in the food
industry. In addition to obtaining no different

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