Spice authentication by near-infrared spectroscopy: Current advances, limitations, and future perspectives

• Published in: Trends in food science & technology 2024-06, Vol.148, p.104522, Article 104522
• Main Authors: Shawky, Eman, Nahar, Lutfun, Nassief, Sarah M., Sarker, Satyajit D., Ibrahim, Reham S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adulterated products; data collection; food science; Geographical origin; industry; multivariate analysis; near-infrared spectroscopy; Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS); Portable devices; Preprocessing techniques; provenance; research and development; Spice authentication; spices; stakeholders; System design; systems engineering; technology
• ISSN: 0924-2244; 1879-3053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2024.104522

The global spice industry, recognized for its aromatic profiles and culinary significance, is susceptible to issues of adulteration, mislabeling, and contamination. These practices compromise the integrity of spice products, undermining consumer trust and jeopardizing the economic interests of legitimate stakeholders. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a rapid, non-destructive, and multi-component analysis technique, in verifying the authenticity of spices, detection of adulteration and identification of their geographical origin. We discuss the operation of NIR spectroscopic systems, the role of preprocessing techniques in data analysis, and the use of multivariate analysis techniques in extracting meaningful information from complex spice datasets. Recent advancements in NIRS technology, including spectral imaging and the development of portable devices, have significantly enhanced its precision and versatility in spice authentication. The rise of portable NIRS devices has revolutionized the field, offering the potential for on-site, real-time analysis. The effective application of NIRS in spice authentication requires careful system design and data analysis. The rise of portable NIRS devices has further revolutionized the field. However, the effective application of NIRS in spice authentication requires careful system design and data analysis, through ongoing research and development in this area. •NIRS provides rapid, non-destructive analysis for spice authentication.•Advancements in portable NIRS devices enable real-time, on-site spice verification.•The application of spectral imaging significantly enhances the precision of NIRS.•The effectiveness of NIRS relies on careful system design and data analysis.•Ongoing research and developments is crucial for NIRS application.