X-ray computed tomography is a non-invasive technique for 3D imaging of materials used extensively in medical, geological, biological, and other material sciences have now found application in food processing industries.
Application
In dairy products, the x-ray CT technique is used for the quantitative determination of eye formation in cheese, tracking microstructural evolution in ice cream, mayonnaise, and cheese, fat microstructure in yogurt, the microstructure of milk powders.
In meat products, it is used for quantification of salt concentration in preserved meat, microstructural characterization in chicken nuggets, prediction of salt and water content in dry-cured ham and salmon, prediction intramuscular fat level, and distribution in meat and sodium quantification in pork.
In bakery products, it is used to know the pore structure of bread crumbs, detect the effect of morphology on water migration and crispness retention, bubble growth and foam setting during bread making, to detect structural parameters and starch crystallization in cake, study the effect of fat and sugar in cookies, investigation of bubble size distribution, growth and setting of gas bubbles in wheat flour dough.
In fruits and vegetables, it is used to detect water core disorder, Braeburn browning disorder in apples, quantification, and characterization of the internal structure in pomegranate and determining maturity in tomatoes.
In coffee beans and nuts, it is used to detect post-harvest assessment of internal decay, microstructural changes induced due to roasting in coffee beans, and insect behavior in pecan nuts.
X-ray food inspection
X-ray inspection systems, in the food processing line, are used to detect various physical contaminants in food, including metal, glass, stone, rubber, and plastics, detecting defects, measuring mass, counting components, identifying missing or broken products, monitoring fill levels, and inspecting seal integrity of packaging, ensuring food safety thereby, playing a vital role in quality assurance.
Reference & image courtesy: Journal of food processing & technology.
Around the world with food technology
X-ray inspection systems, are used by different food industries as they provide better food safety and quality assurance, and also considerably reduce inspection costs during processing and packaging.
Antioxidants for health
Xanthan gum is a thickening agent and stabilizer made from fermenting sugar by a bacteria and is used as a safe food additive, mainly in gluten-free food products. It helps lower cholesterol, aids in weight loss, and also exhibits mild antioxidant activity.
X-ray imaging for life
Your thoughts can be your way to happiness, watch your thoughts for a few minutes every day, and this is a basic form of meditation. Some experts say this can help in rejuvenation and relaxation.
An interesting piece of information
Food that passes through the X-ray system spends less than one second in the x-ray beam, so it receives an incredibly low dose of radiation. It is safe as it removes physical contaminants that can pose the actual health risk.
