This report examines the rapid development and growing use of Point of Contact (POC) analytical testing in the food sector. Advances in portable analytical instrumentation and miniaturised technologies now enable food testing to be performed directly within the food supply chain, supporting faster screening for food authenticity, food safety and food quality. However, the expansion of POC testing has outpaced the development of guidance on its appropriate use and on how results should be interpreted, particularly for official food controls. The project reviewed the current state of the art in POC technologies, including spectroscopic techniques such as near-infrared (NIR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, as well as spectral imaging, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nucleic-acid-based detection methods. Applications commonly include meat and fish species identification, herb and spice adulteration, allergen detection, and broader food fraud detection. POC tools provide rapid, cost-effective screening but require robust method validation to ensure results are reliable and fit for purpose. The report recommends developing a harmonised UK framework for POC testing, including validation guidance, reference materials, and shared databases. Strengthening this infrastructure will support regulators and industry in applying portable testing technologies more confidently, enhancing food authenticity verification, regulatory enforcement, and consumer trust in the food system.
Date:
2024
Keywords:
Point of Contact (POC) testing, Portable analytical instrumentation, Miniaturised analytical technologies, Food fraud detection, Food safety and quality testing, Method validation, Spectroscopy (NIR, FTIR, Raman), Spectral imaging
