ARS | Publication request: Peering into the secrets of food and agricultural co-products

Submitted to: Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 15, 2010
Publication Date: June 15, 2010
Citation: Wood, D.F., Williams, T.G., Glenn, G.M., Pan, Z., Orts, W.J., Mc Hugh, T.H. Peering into the secrets of food and agricultural co-products. Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. 2010. 7729:03.

Technical Abstract: Scanning electron microscopy is a valuable tool for understanding food contamination and for directing product development of food and industrial products. The current trend in food research is to produce foods that are fast to prepare and/or ready to eat. At the same time, these processed foods must be safe, of high quality and retain all or most of the nutritional value of the original whole foods. Minimally processed foods, is the term used to characterize these “new” foods. New techniques are needed which take advantage of minimal processing or processing which enhances the fresh properties and characteristics of whole foods while spending less time on food preparation. The added benefit coupled with less cooking time in an individual kitchen translates to an overall energy savings and reduces the carbon emissions to the environment. Food processing changes the microstructure, and therefore, the quality, texture and flavor, of the resulting food product. Additionally, there is requirement to reduce waste, transportation costs and product loss during transportation and storage. Unlike food processing, structural changes are desirable in co-products as function follows form for food packaging films and boxes as well as for building materials and other industrial products. Thus, the standard materials testing procedures are coupled with SEM to provide direction in the development of products from agricultural residues or what would otherwise be considered waste materials. The use of agricultural residues reduces waste and adds value to a currently underutilized or unutilized product. The product might be biodegradable or compostable, with the added benefit of reduced landfill requirements. Manufacturing industrial and packaging products from biological materials will also reduce the amount of petroleum products which are currently standard in the industry.