NIRS, the solution to food quality analysis

The NIRS technique, a possible path toward consistency

The NIR technique measures the response of NIR light in a sample of the material and uses this information to determine the composition or other qualities. Thus, it's able to estimate the levels of nutrients in food products. Through mathematical models dedicated to the matrix to be measured, NIR devices are capable of delivering a concentration prediction of, as in this case, raw materials and finished products from the food industry.

During the calibration process, prediction models are developed that characterize the relationship between the NIR spectra of a particular material and conditions such as moisture, oil, protein, and fiber, among others.

This technology, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, is a precise, non-destructive approach to sample analysis. Traditionally, it was carried out by scientists in the laboratory, but today we find portable devices on the market that bring this technique closer to different application spaces that, once a prediction model has been validated, can be used to obtain results from new material samples in seconds, saving time and money in laboratory analysis.

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Advantages of NIR spectroscopy

Affordable cost

Since there are no consumables to buy once you have the device, there are also no costs associated with each measurement. You may only have to pay the annual subscription to the device system.

Fast results

This system has considerably reduced the time required for analysis. It is no longer necessary to wait for physical or chemical properties to change to obtain a result. We can know a material's composition at any time.

Versatile and simple

With the possibility of measuring multiple parameters, NIR technology becomes very versatile, being able to offer the most varied information with just one measurement. In addition, the analysis and interpretation of the results can be done easily and with minimal training. With careful instrument design, measurements can be made by non-experts in spectroscopy. NIR analysis and the availability of comprehensive calibrations are particularly useful in helping producers manage the wide variety of ingredients typically used in pet food production.

Validated technique

NIR spectroscopy has been validated and has long been used as a standard material analysis technique and as a decision-making tool in various industries.

No need for chemicals

The analysis can be performed without any reagent. There is no need to worry about the risks of hazardous materials when taking a measurement.

No sample preparation

In most cases, analysis with NIR technology is non-destructive. On the contrary, measurements are made without altering the matter or product.

Product quality guaranteed

Among the myriad uses of NIR analysis in the pet food plant, one example is fat and moisture control to obtain the correct bulk density and physical stability of final products, which is especially important to ensure that products remain intact when the bag is opened, but still have the proper texture and palatability. For its part, humidity levels are also critical to storage considerations.

NIRS in the pet food industry

Near-infrared spectroscopy is used in the pet food industry for the rapid evaluation of various macronutrients and gross energy content. It is a fast and accurate method of predicting energy content in commercial extruded dog foods, and it's useful and reliable for the pet food industry when a sufficiently comprehensive calibration set is available.

Feed producers often make several products with different recipes for a variety of animal species, and while having a global calibration simplifies the management and maintenance of that calibration, more specific techniques are often required to account for additional variations between products.

On the other hand, the applications and the spectra can also change due to sampling differences, instrument aging, different presentations, and years of cultivation. To adapt to the new conditions, the calibrations must be modified, and that procedure should ideally be simple and effective.

An example of a portable spectrometer: Neo Spectra by Si-Ware

Recently, at Cipal 2022, the event we organized for the meeting and exchange of knowledge of the pet food industry, we learned about the Neo Spectra portable spectrometer, a mobile device that offers accurate and reliable results from anywhere. This, like many other devices on the market, allows easy and accurate measurement of a wide variety of parameters in materials, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. But, in addition, the Neo Spectra proposal allows access, through mobile applications, to prediction models created by experts worldwide uploaded in the same cloud. Some of its features are:

• Comprehensive coverage
• Collect samples from one to 10 mm in diameter with a single scan
• Ergonomic and one-hand use
• High-memory capacity

Towards the real value of NIR technology

Near-infrared spectroscopy is the most useful and reliable technology when a large enough calibration set is available.

While the use of NIR has long been a standard part of operations, new versatile portable devices are now allowing the value of this technology to be further exploited, making it available to everyone, from anywhere, instantly, quickly, and accurately.

Source: All Pet Food Magazine