Real-Time Food Quality Assessment: An Integrated Microsystem with Selective Gas Tracking for Early Spoilage Detection

Abstract

Food spoilage poses a significant threat to human health due to the presence of harmful bacteria and toxins in spoiled food. This paper proposes a novel two-module sensor system for early detection of spoilage in both solid and liquid food items. The first module utilizes an MQ-4 sensor to detect methane gas emissions, a telltale sign of spoilage in solid food. The second module employs a pH sensor to monitor the acidity/alkalinity (pH) of liquid food, detecting deviations from safe consumption ranges indicative of spoilage. This non-invasive system offers several advantages, including early detection before visual or olfactory cues appear, user-friendliness, and hygiene. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with anosmia (loss of smell) who struggle with traditional spoilage detection methods. The system's potential applications range from domestic kitchens and food service industries to food storage facilities, promoting broader food safety practices and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable food consumption cycle.