On the Spot Food Safety Monitoring with a Smartphone

09 Nov 2016 --- A new way to test food for harmful substances on the spot using a smartphone and app is being researched by Wageningen University - and it could prove to be a game changer.

The novel approach towards food safety monitoring would bypass the need for food inspectors to take food samples, send them to laboratories for testing and wait several days for the results, which show nothing is wrong in most cases.

At present, samples are still taken throughout the food production chain, registered and tested for residues of pesticides, antibiotics, natural toxins, allergens and other contaminants.

The vision is that tests will be carried out on site by food inspectors using their smartphone, saving time and money. It also means laboratories can put advanced equipment to use on more relevant suspected cases and obtain evidence of any food safety violation. 

Investigating whether this method is possible is the European Research Executive Agency, which was granted almost €3 million (US$3.2 million). The Agency consists of RIKILT Wageningen University & Research (which is specialized in forensic measurements and detecting and identifying substances in food and animal feed) and institutes from five other countries.

Looking to the future, Wageningen believes that it’s not just professionals who could benefit from the app and smartphone technology, it’s entirely possible for it to be rolled out to consumers so they can test their own samples. They will be supported by apps and wireless support to ensure the accuracy and quality of the measurement. 

Similar examples of smartphones being used in food inspection is the development of a food scanner by RIKILT which is able to determine the origin, shelf-life and composition of food. Alongside German and American partners, RIKILT has also previously developed a smartphone attachment and app for detecting a banned hormone in just one drop of milk.