In-line NIR for use in product and process monitoring in the food industry

Summary

This article deals with the implementation of in-line Near-InfraRed (NIR) spectroscopy for monitoring variations in production of manufactured food products. A number of challenges and issues that need to be addressed while implementing in-line NIR spectroscopy have been discussed. We present two different examples illustrating problems that need to be addressed for successful implementation of the technique. We have touched upon issues such as classification, prediction, and validation based on an experimental design where we have taken into consideration both raw materials and process variables.