1. Context

The agri-food industry is under intense pressure from strict regulations concerning the quality and safety of its products. In addition, we are increasingly concerned about the composition of the food we eat. In particular, the food industry must be able to provide customers with proof that their product is free from allergens or toxins.

To meet regulatory and consumer requirements, reliable analytical tools and methods are needed. Chromatographic techniques are currently used for contaminant analysis, food composition control and product authenticity. However, these methods are cumbersome and require expensive equipment and experienced personnel. The ideal is to develop reliable, small-scale, inexpensive and easy-to-use tools for controlling the quality of raw materials and finished products, and for monitoring the various stages of production.

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