Smart gas sensor systems can help to reduce food waste

Abstract

Food waste in developed countries is an enormous ecological burden, while millions suffer from hunger around the globe. We are targeting novel smart gas sensor systems to reduce food waste mainly from end consumers. Preliminary GC/MS studies during aging of different foods show that typical emissions, e.g. hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol from minced meat, show characteristic compositions reflecting the aging process. This change in gas composition could be detected by low-cost sensor systems. We are planning a methodic study of different foods to identify and detect these patterns.