NUOVI CAMPI APPLICATIVI DELLA SPETTROSCOPIA NIR PER IL CONTROLLO DI PROCESSO E DI PARAMETRI QUALITATIVI DEI PRODOTTI ALIMENTARI

The aim of this study was to examine the ability of FT-NIR spectroscopy to monitor the food quality and the process kinetics. In particular this technique was applied to the shelf life evaluation of dairy product, such as packed industrial Ricotta and Crescenza cheese stored at constant temperature for different times. This technique was also used to study the cooking kinetics of milled, parboiled and quick cooking rice samples. FT-NIR spectroscopy was used with some success to investigate macromolecular changes during yeasted bread doughs proofing and bread staling. Comparison of results from FT-NIR spectra, electronic nose, image analysis and calorimetric technique was carried out. FT-NIR was shown to have considerable merit in following chemical-physical modifications involved during a process and thus the potential to be used as on-line method for controlling macromolecular changes during storage, cooking, dough proving and bread staling.