Flexible mid-infrared photonic solutions for rapid farm-to-fork sensing of food contaminants

PHOTONFOOD’s aim is to provide a portable solution for flexible farm-to-fork sensing of microbial and chemical contamination in food products and along the food production chain. The EU-funded project will develop an integrated solution that combines innovations in mid-infrared (MIR) sensing with smart paper-based sample treatment, and advanced data analysis. Being validated and demonstrated in real scenarios along the food value chain, this new food safety scanner will ensure that food is free from fungi, pesticides, and other substances detrimental to people’s health.

Two innovative photonic devices will be developed by PHOTONFOOD: The first photonic device will be low-cost and handheld, tailored for daily monitoring along the whole food chain and even retail, which is feasible due to its low envisioned price. The second photonic device will be medium-cost and portable, delivering high-fidelity data at relevant detection limits.