Innovation for food integrity assessment and fraud detection using NIRS as a nontargeted method: Towards intelligent product and process control

This paper introduces the possibilities of using near-infrared spectral sensors as a nontargeted method, and its pivotal importance as a key tool to fight against food fraud, allowing the detection of unexpected alterations or compounds, but with a holistic approach. An example of using this nontargeted approach to determine the optimal duration of postharvest cold storage of oranges is shown. The methodology based on the use of Shewhart control charts that represent the values of spectral distances, and the critical points of this procedure to consider, are presented.