Lauren Gilman

SUSTAIN Cohort 1 Student

University

Queen's University Belfast

SUSTAIN Project

Food Authentication Using Portable Sensors: Addressing Food Fraud and Food Mislabelling

Supervisors

Prof Hui Wang (Queen's University Belfast)
Prof Louise Manning (University of Lincoln)

Research Interests

Food safety, machine learning, food authentication, artificial intelligence, food fraud, food contamination

I joined the CDT because I wanted to be a part of an organisation that brings together students with similar interests and goals. I am passionate about making a difference to the world of food safety and in particular those with life threatening food allergies. I am studying my PhD at Queen’s University in Belfast, having moved to Northern Ireland in January 2024. I picked Queens because of their excellent reputation for research. My ultimate career goal is to become a consultant within the world of food safety, helping them to make the most of AI technology. I own a farm as well, so in my spare time I can be found looking after my sheep or riding my horses.

Food Authentication Using Portable Sensors: Addressing Food Fraud and Food Mislabelling

Prof Hui Wang, Queen's University Belfast; Prof Louise Manning, University of Lincoln

Worried about food fraud and mislabelling? You're not alone. These issues erode consumer confidence in the agri-food system, leaving us questioning the authenticity of what we eat. This project proposes an innovative solution: a portable food authenticator that leverages everyday technology to rebuild trust.

Imagine this: Using your smartphone and a user-friendly app, you can analyse food samples on-site, anywhere from the grocery store to a restaurant table. Forget expensive lab tests and lengthy waits. This system empowers you with real-time results, ensuring the food you choose is what it claims to be.

Here's how it works:

Portable sensors: We'll utilise readily available technology like smartphone cameras or dedicated sensors to analyse food samples.
Machine learning: Sophisticated algorithms, trained on real data, will identify food types, detect adulteration, and even uncover discrepancies between labelled information and the actual food composition.
Seamless user experience: Our app integrates with the chosen sensors, allowing you to capture data and receive real-time analysis results.

The impact is far-reaching. Empowered Consumers: Gain confidence in your food choices, potentially reducing foodborne illnesses and fostering informed decision-making. Enhanced Transparency: Food producers and retailers are incentivised to maintain honest practices, deterring food fraud and rebuilding trust in the agri-food system. Regulation Made Easier: This portable tool can become a valuable asset for regulatory bodies, facilitating more efficient food safety inspections.

Beyond food safety, this system can: raise awareness about mislabelling practices, advocating for accurate labelling and benefit consumers with specific dietary needs and allergen concerns. This portable food authentication system holds the power to revolutionise the agri-food system. By empowering stakeholders and promoting transparency, we can rebuild trust and ensure a safer, more reliable food experience for everyone. Join us in restoring trust, one bite at a time!

Welcome to the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Understandable agri-food Systems Transformed by Artificial INtelligence (SUSTAIN).