Assessment of a handheld fluorescence imaging device as a visual-aid for detection of food residues on processing surfaces

Authors: COLM, EVERARD - University Of Dublin; Kim, Moon; LEE, HOYOUNG - Seoul National University

Submitted to: Food Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/15/2015
Publication Date: 1/1/2016
Citation: Colm, E., Kim, M.S., Lee, H. 2016. Assessment of a handheld fluorescence imaging device as a visual-aid for detection of food residues on processing surfaces. Food Control. 59:243-249.

Interpretive Summary: Cross-contamination of food with pathogenic bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses. Food processing surfaces can act as a medium for cross-contamination if adequate sanitization procedures are not carried out. Ensuring food processing surfaces are correctly cleaned and sanitized is an important procedure in the food industry for reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and related costs. A handheld imaging device was engineered and assessed for detection of three types of food residues, which have been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks, on two commonly used processing surfaces such as cutting board and food grade stainless steel. The food residues assessed were from spinach leaf, fat free milk and bovine red meat. The handheld fluorescence imaging device along with image analysis distinguished the different food residues from the HDPE and SS processing surfaces. This device can be used in the food industry as visual-aid for detection of specifically targeted food residues. This research reports the use of an inexpensive cleaning and sanitation inspection tools and is beneficial to produce and meat production and processing industries.

Technical Abstract: Contamination of food with pathogenic bacteria can lead to foodborne illnesses. Food processing surfaces can serve as a medium for cross-contamination if sanitization procedures are inadequate. Ensuring that food processing surfaces are correctly cleaned and sanitized is important in the food industry to reduce risks of foodborne illnesses and their related costs. A handheld fluorescence imaging device was assessed for detection of three types of food residues that have been associated with foodborne illness outbreaks, i.e. spinach leaf, milk and bovine red meat, on two commonly used processing surfaces, i.e. high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and food grade stainless steel (SS). Fluorescence excitation at 405 nm was supplied by 4 x 10 watt light emitting diodes. Interchangeable optical filters were selected to optimise the contrast between the food residues and processing surfaces, using hyperspectral fluorescence imaging. The fluorescence imaging plus image analysis differentiated food residues from the processing surfaces more clearly than visual inspection in ambient lighting. This optical sensing device can be used to detect food fouling on food processing surfaces over relatively large areas, and has potential for use in the food industry as an aid for detection of specific food residues.