A rapid ATR-FTIR spectroscopic method for classification of gelatin gummy candies in relation to the gelatin source.

Gelatin is widely used in gummy candies because of its unique functional properties. Generally, porcine and bovine gelatins are used in the food industry. FTIR-ATR combined with chemometrics analysis such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) (OPUS Version 7.2 software), principal component analysis (PCA) (OPUS Version 7.2 software) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) (Matlab R2017b) were used for classification and discrimination of gelatin gummy candies related to their gelatin source. The spectral region between 1734 and 1528 cm-1 was selected for chemometric analysis. The potential of FTIR spectroscopy for determination of bovine and porcine source in gummy candies was examined and validated by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Twenty commercial samples were tested by developed ATR-FTIR methodology and RT-PCR technique, mutually confirming and supporting results were obtained. Gummy candies were classified and discriminated in relation to the bovine or porcine source of gelatin with 100% success without any sample preparation using FTIR-ATR technique.

A survey of free glutamic acid in foods using a robust LC-MS/MS method.

An effective and simultaneous liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used with the aim of quantifying monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foodstuffs, such as chips, taste cubes, sauces and soups. The results were linear (R2 = 1), with very low LOD and LOQ values, 1.0 µg/kg, 5.0 µg/kg, respectively. Excellent repeatability and reproducibility were also achieved. This highly sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS technique was applied successfully for the detection and quantification of MSG in a wide variety of foodstuffs. MSG contents ranged from 0.01 g/100 g to 15.39 g/100 g in food samples. Importantly, determination of free glutamic acid in the daily diet could also prevent various side effects associated with consumption of excess free glutamic acid.

Detection of l-Cysteine in wheat flour by Raman microspectroscopy combined chemometrics of HCA and PCA.

l-Cysteine is deliberately added to various flour types since l-Cysteine has enabled favorable baking conditions such as low viscosity, increased elasticity and rise during baking. In Turkey, usage of l-Cysteine as a food additive isn't allowed in wheat flour according to the Turkish Food Codex Regulation on food additives. There is an urgent need for effective methods to detect l-Cysteine in wheat flour. In this study, for the first time, a new, rapid, effective, non-destructive and cost-effective method was developed for detection of l-Cysteine in wheat flour using Raman microscopy. Detection of l-Cysteine in wheat flour was accomplished successfully using Raman microscopy combined chemometrics of PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis). In this work, 500-2000cm-1 spectral range (fingerprint region) was determined to perform PCA and HCA analysis. l-Cysteine and l-Cystine were determined with detection limit of 0.125% (w/w) in different wheat flour samples.

Formaldehyde migration in aqueous extracts from paper and cardboard food packaging materials in Turkey.

Migration of formaldehyde to aqueous extracts from paper and cardboard food packaging materials was determined by an ultraviolet visible-spectrophotometric method at 410 nm. Intraday and interday precision of the method, expressed as coefficient of variation, varied between 1.5 to 4.4% and 7 to 8.8%, respectively. The limit of quantification was 0.28 mg kg(-1) for formaldehyde in aqueous extracts. The recovery of the method was over 90% for two different concentration levels in aqueous extracts. The method was applied to the migration of formaldehyde to aqueous extracts from 31 different paper and cardboard materials collected from the packaging sector, intended for food contact, such as tea filters, hot water filters, paper pouches and folding boxes. The results were between limit of detection 0.23 mg/kg and 40 mg kg(-1) and were evaluated according to the relevant directives.