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Sensing and Instrumentation Technologies for Food Safety
www.ars.usda.gov/nea/barc/emfsl/sensingtech

The EMFSL Sensing Technologies group focuses on the development of optical sensing methods for non-destructive, rapid, and/or automated inspection and screening of food materials and food processing equipment to reduce food safety risks. Research areas include:

  • Hyperspectral and multispectral imaging using visible/near-infrared reflectance and UV/violet-excitation fluorescence
  • Whole-surface inspection of fresh produce for contamination detection
  • Raman chemical imaging for food authentication and adulterant detection
  • Handheld fluorescence imaging for cleaning and sanitation inspection (patented)
  • Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) imaging for in-field contamination inspection for fresh produce
  • Gradient temperature Raman spectroscopy (GTRS)
  • Online poultry wholesomeness inspection (patented and licensed)

Current project, 2016 - 2021: Sensing Technologies for the Detection and Characterization of Microbial, Chemical, and Biological Contaminants in Foods

Previous project, 2011 - 2016: Development of Sensing and Instrumentation Technologies for Food Safety and Sanitation Inspection in Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Processing

Research Scientists

Support Staff

Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Researchers

Visiting Scientists

  • Yongkyoung Kim, PhD, Experiment Research Institute, National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service, South Korea
  • Youngwook Seo, PhD, Rural Development Administration, South Korea

 

The EMFSL Sensing Technologies group cooperates closely with the ARS Food Quality Laboratory, Rapid Methods for Quality and Safety Inspection of Small Grain Cereals research project.