Title | One hundred years of progress in food analysis. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2009 |
Authors | McGorrin, RJ |
Journal | J Agric Food Chem |
Volume | 57 |
Issue | 18 |
Pagination | 8076-88 |
Date Published | 2009 Sep 23 |
ISSN | 1520-5118 |
Keywords | Chemistry, Agricultural, Food Analysis, Food Labeling, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Legislation, Food, Societies, Scientific, UNITED States |
Abstract | Food and agricultural products comprise complex and diverse chemical mixtures that historically have presented challenges for assessing food safety, nutrient content, stability, and sensory qualities. The analysis of food composition has significantly evolved over the past 100 years, progressing from reliance on predominantly "wet chemistry" laboratory methods from the early to mid-20th century to their gradual replacement by modern instrumental techniques. Pioneering developments in pH instruments, spectrophotometry, chromatography/separations, and spectrometry often had immediate applications to food analysis. Continuous improvements in methodology over this period have led to significant enhancements in analytical accuracy, precision, detection limits, and sample throughput, thereby expanding the practical range of food applications. The growth and infrastructure of the modern global food distribution system heavily relies on food analysis-beyond simple characterization-as a tool for new product development, quality control, regulatory enforcement, and problem-solving. |
DOI | 10.1021/jf900189s |
Alternate Journal | J. Agric. Food Chem. |
PubMed ID | 19719137 |