AI ‘super noses’ keep your holiday feast gatherings safe

Enter the world of AI-enhanced biotech innovations, where companies are developing high-tech tools to combat this issue. A prime example is the electronic nose, or e-nose, designed to detect foodborne bacteria. Among these, Sensifi stands out as a state-of-the-art e-nose, specifically tailored for on-site inspections by food producers.

Dubbed ‘Super Noses’, these AI-powered biosensors represent a significant shift from traditional methods. They mimic the human nose's ability to detect and differentiate between various odours. Foodborne bacteria release specific Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) as they metabolise, creating unique 'smell prints.' The e-nose sensors identify these VOC fingerprints, alerting users to the presence of bacteria and providing valuable insights into food quality.

Steffan Black, a Zenshield technology expert, remarked: "One could think of these as Marvel superheroes, except in the world of food safety. Like a superhero's heightened senses, these e-noses can detect problems far better than human capabilities, ensuring fresher, safer food even before it reaches consumers."

AI's role in amplifying e-nose functionality is crucial. After VOC sensors identify a pattern, AI transforms this raw data into actionable information through algorithms. This process makes the data gathered by the e-noses meaningful and utilisable.

The Sensifi operates by quickly sniffing the food item, analysing the aroma for harmful VOCs, and alerting if bacteria are detected.

E-noses have the potential to impact everyday life significantly. They can assess food and beverage quality, aid in food pairing, prevent illness, reduce economic losses from foodborne outbreaks, and in the future, could even contribute to personalised experiences in smart homes.

Black adds: "These AI 'super-noses' are no magic wand; they provide us with a potent weapon. We can now face the challenges of foodborne illnesses much more efficiently and effectively, moving from a reactive to a proactive stance."

As the AI-driven world of food safety evolves, e-noses are emerging as a critical defence line in the food industry, signalling a farewell to foodborne illnesses and a welcome to safer, fresher food.