Quality Inspection of Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are highly susceptible to food fraud due to their complex, cross-border supply chains, high price per kilogram, and common sale in powdered or particulate forms. These factors make them prime targets for adulteration, often with cheaper ingredients like olive leaves and myrtle mixed into oregano. Recent studies found that nearly a quarter of commercial oregano samples contained non-oregano substances, with adulteration ranging from 30% to 70% of the total weight.

Traditional methods like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and gas chromatography offer detailed analysis but require extensive sample preparation and time. Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) technology, paired with advanced machine learning algorithms, provides a fast, non-destructive solution to assess the purity of oregano and other spices.

Oregano Analysis with Hyperspectral Imaging

In a recent test, samples of oregano, French thyme, and myrtle were scanned using the MV.C NIR sensor (900-1700 nm), in combination with the perClass Mira® Stage and software. This setup allowed for the creation of a classification model capable of distinguishing authentic oregano leaves from adulterants. The resulting false-color classification image revealed regions containing non-oregano leaves, such as myrtle leaves, which are challenging to detect with traditional methods.

Oregano Analysis with Hyperspectral Imaging

Cayenne Pepper Inspection

Ground spices like cayenne pepper are frequently diluted with cheaper substances such as colorants, chalk, clay, and seed powders. In an internal study by Headwall, pure red pepper was mixed with red clay in varying proportions and analyzed using the MV.C NIR sensor and perClass Mira software. The model was able to accurately estimate the concentration of red pepper in test samples, showing promising results for real-time contamination quantification in an inline setup.

Robust solution for the quality control of herbs and spices

The combination of hyperspectral imaging and machine learning provides a robust solution for the quality control of herbs and spices, enabling rapid detection and quantification of adulterants. This technology allows for real-time quality assurance decisions, ensuring food safety without the need for complex sample preparation.

Curious how hyperspectral imaging can elevate your quality control process?

Watch the webinar: Detecting Herb & Spice Adulteration using Intuitive, Real-Time Hyperspectral Scanning

Originally presented on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, this webinar is on Detecting Adulteration of Herbs and Spices in Real Time Using the MV.C NIR Hyperspectral Sensor and perClass Mira Software.

View the video (registration required): https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/7625158656736549980

Our experts are here to answer your questions, discuss specific applications, and provide a personalized demo of imaging technology. Reach out to start optimizing your quality control process with Headwall's leading-edge hyperspectral solutions. Contact Inventech's experts.

Detecting and Preventing Food Fraud with Hyperspectral Sensor

Contact Inventech today

Quality Inspection of Herbs and Spices

Inventech is the specialist in analytical instruments for quality inspection to prevent food fraude.