Our Technology

Spectroscopy is used to measure a samples interaction with light. This is either done in our laboratory at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast or using our portable testing solution. Spectroscopy is a useful analytical platform for food screening because it is quick and non-destructive.

Chemometrics is used to compare and analyse the spectral fingerprint. We use chemometrics to make sense of the spectral fingerprints produced by the spectrometer. In lab-based testing, we interpret the data that comes out from the chemometric model and decide if it is an authentic or adulterated sample. In the portable solution the software will automatically interpret the results and give an “authentic” or “suspicious” answer so no need for you to interpret yourself.

Ambient Mass Spectrometry (‘AMS’) can not only identify the species of meat, but it can also identify the breed, where the meat was produced, whether or not it is organic, and its maturation and even eating quality. All of these parameters contained in a single test truly represent a ground-breaking advance.

Another considerable advantage of the AMS approach is the inclusion of a laser system eliminating the need for sample preparation and thus can deliver test results within minutes.