66670 - Food Analysis

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student knows the meaning, the classification of methods and the basic concepts of food analysis.

He or she has the skills to comphend and deepen the most suitable traditional, instrumental or sensory methods on variuos food; the student also knows the meaning of food quality, safety and authenticity.

Course contents

The course consists of theoretical lessons and practice exercises in chemical-instrumental and sensory laboratories. For practices the teacher will be supported by Chemistry Technician Mara Madrioli.

Theoretical lessons: Classroom available at Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences DISTAL (viale Giuseppe Fanin 40-50, Bologna).

Practice exercises: Laboratories at DISTAL (viale Giuseppe Fanin 40, Bologna).

The course is organized as following reported:

Introduction and presentation of the course; general concepts on FOOD QUALITY and AUTHENTICITY

5 days, each one based on theoretical lesson (3 hours) and practice exercises (3 hours) on:

BEVERAGES ANALYSIS: POTABLE WATER/NATURAL MINERAL WATER

Compositional, quality and safety aspects.

Chemical-instrumental determination of nitrate content.

Elements of psychophysiology of senses: theoretical concepts and practical tests on basic tastes and perceptive thresholds.

BEVERAGES AND SEASONINGS ANALYSIS: VINEGARS (PDO/PGI)

Compositional, quality and safety aspects.

Chemical-instrumental determination of HMF and furanic derivatives.

Elements of psychophysiology of senses: colour, aroma and texture.

ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS: MILK AND DERIVATIVES

Compositional, quality and safety aspects.

Chemical-instrumental determination of fatty acid composition.

Sensory consumer tests. Liking scales and JAR scale.

ANIMAL FOOD PRODUCTS: THE HONEY

Compositional, quality and safety aspects.

Chemical-instrumental determination of proline content.

Selection and training of assessors, physiological and psychological errors.

Descriptive sensory tests.

VEGETABLE FOOD PRODUCTS: OLIVE OIL AND VEGETABLE OILS

Compositional, quality and safety aspects.

Chemical-instrumental determination of phenolic fraction.

The Panel test of virgin olive oils: quality grade determination.

Readings/Bibliography

Electronic version (pdf, xls) of lessons and practice exercises is furnished by teacher (Virtual Learning Environment platform)

For consultation/detailed study on Food Analysis topics: Cabras P., Tuberoso C., "Analisi dei Prodotti Alimentari" Ed. Piccin (Padova), 2013.

For consultation/detailed study on Analytical Chemistry topics: Harris D. C. "Chimica Analitica Quantitativa", Zanichelli, 2005.

Teaching methods

Theoretical lessons and practical experiences in chemical-instrumental and sensory laboratories.

Assessment methods

Learning examination is based on an oral discussion on the topics of programme.

Teaching tools

Lessons in presence: slide projector and electronic form of slides; practical applications in chemical-instrumental and sensory laboratories.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Bendini