Investigation of foreign substances in food.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to investigate foreign substances from seven categories of foreign substances in food. (1) Naturally occurring foreign substances--Using FTIR, a foreign substance was identified as a natural resin probably from the product. (2) Foreign substances introduced during food processing. Scanning electron microscopy-EDS was used to identify a foreign material found on surf clams as calcium phosphate from a product/ingredient interaction. Using SEM-EDS, a crystalline material in a meat product was identified as calcium salts of chloride and phosphate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify foreign material that clogged an aerosol valve as chipboard. Using SEM-EDS, the metal in the heel of a glass bottle was identified as copper sulfide-containing metal inclusion. (3) Insects, reptiles, and rodents--Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine that a mouse found in food was not processed with the food, but entered the container after it left the factory. (4) Glass fragments--Glass from various sources can be distinguished from one another using SEM-EDS either by the level of the major elements in glass or by the presence of elements in one glass, but not in another. (5) Glass-like particles--Using SEM-EDS, glass-like particles found on beets were determined to be a fatty acid. (6) Metal foreign objects--Using SEM-EDS, metals from a variety of sources can be easily distinguished. For example, a tin-soldered container can be distinguished from a lead-soldered can. Using SEM-EDS, the metal fiber found on the bottom of a two-piece can likely enter the can during the final stage of the manufacture of the drawn and ironed food can. (7) Drug capsule identification--Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine that a pill found in food was ibuprofen.
National Food Processors Association, CDRPNT-Packaging, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
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Charbonneau
D000818:Animals; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis*; D005552:Forelimb / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005898:Glass / Q000032:analysis; D007052:Ibuprofen / Q000032:analysis; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D012116:Resins, Plant / Q000032:analysis; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
D008670:Metals; D012116:Resins, Plant; D007052:Ibuprofen