Electronic Noses as a Powerful Tool for Assessing Meat Quality: a Mini Review

Abstract

Food quality is a fundamental requirement for consumers, and there is growing interest in food quality assessment. An electronic nose is a machine that is designed to mimic biological olfaction and detect and discriminate among complex odors using an array of chemical sensors. Electronic noses have been widely applied for food quality evaluations because they are rapid, sensitive, and non-destructive. In the present paper, we review important applications of electronic noses to meat analysis. First, we briefly describe the components, working principle, and data processing for an electronic nose. Then, we discuss the applications of electronic noses to meat freshness evaluations, quality classification, and authenticity assessments using different pattern recognition algorithms. Despite many successful results, sensor technology limitations still restrict electronic nose applications at the industrial scale. Finally, we discuss existing problems and prospects for electronic noses in food analysis.