Commercial Food Products Research Articles

Diverse methodologies of care: Thinking with and practising (soil) in situated, affective and enactive ways

AbstractThis research article outlines a provocation for diverse and experimentally open, situated approaches to exploring care and caring. The diversely positioned authors discuss this idea using the subject of soil, in the place and context of Aotearoa New Zealand. Little is known about the diversity of ways that everyday people value, or, have caring relationships for/with soil, among a plethora of research that positions soil ‘care’ around, for example, commercial food production, waste‐sinking, or property land value. To study diverse care in relation to soil, as with many relational subjects, requires equivalent diversity in the ways in which we might explore it. Here we outline the basis for diverse, situated methodologies that necessarily lead to a diversity of methods. This paper looks at the methodological imperatives that lead to exploring care, and discusses a variety of methods that generate different forms of ‘data’ with different forms of representation of that care. We observe that to holistically observe care relations with soil requires a diversity of methodologies, inherently ontological and epistemological – worldmaking. We discuss situated and enactive, affective approaches of Kaupapa Māori enquiry, monitoring and arts‐based approaches to ‘measure’ soil care taking place, in place, and contextualise this with our own author positionality. We discuss this suite of experimental, reflexive, affective and responsive ways to measure soil care that are contingent on that being cared about, for, with and by, and which reciprocally give care.

Microfluidization outperforms homogenization: Optimizing stability and bioaccessibility in krill oil emulsions

AbstractThis research presents a rigorous comparative analysis of high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) and microfluidization (MF) for the production of krill oil (KO) emulsions, scrutinizing their impact on oxidative stability, bioaccessibility, and the behavior under in vitro simulated digestion. Our findings revealed that MF emulsions possessed a distinct advantage, with a droplet size and distribution that promoted exceptional oxidative stability, evidenced by a sustained reduction in oxidative markers and enhanced retention of bioactive components, including EPA and DHA, and the potent antioxidant astaxanthin. In contrast, HPH yielded larger and less uniform particles, correlating with diminished stability. The in vitro digestion studies underscored the superior bioaccessibility of MF emulsions, with a pronounced release of free fatty acids during the intestinal phase, indicative of an optimized digestion and absorption process due to the smaller droplet size of the emulsions. The study's insights advocate for the adoption of microfluidization in the food industry for the development of advanced delivery systems for n‐3 fatty acids, particularly in the context of KO‐based products. The technique shows promise in enhancing the quality, stability, and bioavailability of these products, which are rich in health‐promoting lipids. The microfluidization technique emerges as a promising avenue for the fortification of a diverse range of commercial food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products with lipids that contribute to health and wellness.

Assessment of a crustacean allergen in fishery products using a nanomodified label-free voltammetric immunosensing approach

In this work, a label-free immunosensor for the rapid analysis of the crustacean allergen tropomyosin (TPM) is presented. A screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was (bio)modified with oxidized carbon nanotube/manganese(II) ferrite nanomaterial (CNT_O@MnFe2O4) and monoclonal antibodies. The immune interaction with the allergenic protein was detected using a redox probe ([Fe(CN)6]3−/4−) by differential pulse voltammetry. The CNT_O@MnFe2O4 led to a 4-fold increase of the analytical signal compared to the unmodified SPCE, indicating the usefulness of this material in TPM analysis. Moreover, the detection potential was reduced (i.e., closer to 0 V), which increased the selectivity of the sensor even further. The immunosensor enabled a fast analysis time (1 h), providing a limit of detection of 1.6 ng mL−1, and precise results (coefficient of variation = 6.5 %). The analysis of ten commercial foodstuffs was accomplished, and the results were validated with an ELISA assay. The highest TPM concentrations were quantified in shrimp species (M. affinis > P. latisulcatus > P. indicus) and low allergen levels were found in surimi lobster, clam, fresh calamari, and mayonnaise. The simplicity of the sensor makes it a good choice for quality control and food safety assessment in industrial settings.

Occurrence of perfluoroalkyl compounds in commercially available baby food produced in different European countries - levels, dietary intake, and exposure assessment

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in commercial baby food products from various European countries was investigated in this study. A total of 96 samples were collected and analyzed to assess PFASs levels, composition profiles, and potential dietary intake among infants. The results indicated detectable levels of PFASs in the sampled baby food products, with carboxylic acid prevalence over sulfonic acids. Among the various baby food groups studied, dry cereals exhibited the highest PFASs concentrations. This finding emphasizes the need for further monitoring and investigation of PFASs contamination in this specific food category. While the concentrations detected were generally low, they indicated the widespread presence of PFASs in various types of baby food. Furthermore, a preliminary exposure assessment was conducted on the basis of the measured PFASs concentrations, providing an initial insight into the potential exposure levels among infants from three months to three years old. Calculations based on two scenario types revealed the best-case scenario likely underestimating actual exposure, while the worst-case scenario occasionally exceeded the limits set by the governmental institutions. Further research is needed to understand the sources, pathways, and potential health effects of PFASs exposure in this vulnerable population.

Voltammetric immunosensor based on oxidized carbon nanotubes/MnFe2O4 hybrid nanoplatform for amplified detection of celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery is a food allergen that must be included in the ingredient list of commercial food products in the European Union. This is a challenge for the food industry because of potential cross-contamination and undeclared ingredients because of their low concentrations. So, the food industry requires expedited high-performance analytical methods. The development, validation and application of a magnetic nanomaterial-based voltammetric immunosensor is reported to quantify a major celery allergen (Api g 1), achieving a low limit of detection (32 pg·mL−1, in a 40-μL sample). The applicability of the biosensor was evaluated by analysing twenty food products and the lowest Api g 1 content (1.1 ± 0.9 mg·kg−1) was quantified in a cooked sample. The selectivity of the method and the interference of similar fresh products (e.g., parsley, basil) were evaluated. This portable and easy-to-use biosensor can be a fit-for-purpose solution to tackle a major problem for the food industry.

Phytochemical Evaluation of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica, and Their Potential Effect on Monosodium Glutamate Induced Male Reproductive Dysfunction in Adult Wistar Rats.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a sodium salt derived from glutamic acid, is widely used in commercial food products to improve taste, quality, and preservation. However, its consumption may have detrimental effects on male reproductive function. Nevertheless, plant extracts, such as Lepidium meyenii (Maca), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Spirulina platensis (Spirulina), and Tribulus arabica (Tribulus), may ameliorate these adverse effects. To this effect, the phytochemical properties of Lepidium meyenii, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Spirulina platensis, and Tribulus arabica were assessed, and their potential impact on MSG-induced impairment of reproductive parameters was examined. The phytochemical composition (steroids, terpenes, phenols, flavonoids) of the plants was profiled through spectrophotometry and the antioxidant activity was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups at random: a control group receiving distilled water, and five experimental groups (MSG, Maca, Fenugreek, Spirulina, and Tribulus) receiving 900 mg/kg/day of MSG dissolved in water for 45 days. Subsequently, the animals in the experimental groups were administered 500 mg/kg/day of the respective plant extract via oral gavage for an additional 35 days, while the MSG group continued to receive water only. Following the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and their reproductive tract organs were collected, weighed, and subjected to further analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse bioactive elements in the plant extracts, including phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Exposure to MSG negatively impacted total and progressive sperm motility, which was ameliorated by Lepidium meyenii treatment. Sperm morphology showed no significant differences among groups. Treatment of the phytochemical agents diminished histomorphometric alternations of the testicular length, germinal epithelium height, and number of cells in seminiferous tubules, which were caused by the initial administration of MSG. Testosterone and LH levels were reduced in the MSG group but improved in extract-treated groups. The study suggests Lepidium meyenii as a potential remedy for reproductive dysfunction. However, further investigation into its mechanisms and human safety and efficacy is warranted.

Using transglutaminase to cross-link complexes of lactoferrin and α-lactalbumin to increase thermal stability.

The poor thermal stability of lactoferrin (LF) hinders its bioavailability and use in commercial food products. To preserve LF from thermal denaturation, complexation with other biopolymers has been studied. Here we present the complex formation conditions, structural stability, and functional protection of LF by α-lactalbumin (α-LA). The formation of the LF-α-LA complexes was dependent on pH, mass ratio, and ionic strength. Changing the formation conditions and cross-linking by transglutaminase impacted the turbidity, particle size, and zeta-potential of the resulting complexes. Electrophoresis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism measurements suggest that the secondary structure of LF in the LF-α-LA complex was maintained after complexation and subsequent thermal treatments. At pH 7, the LF-α-LA complex protected LF from thermal aggregation and denaturation, and the LF retained its functional and structural properties, including antibacterial capacity of LF after thermal treatments. The improved thermal stability and functional properties of LF in the LF-α-LA complex are of interest to the food industry.

The Allergen Profile of Two Edible Insect Species-Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens.

Edible insect proteins are increasingly introduced as an alternative sustainable food source to address the world's need to feed the growing population. Tropomyosin is the main insect allergen; however, additional potential allergens are not well characterized and the impact of extraction procedures on immunological reactivity is unknown. Proteins from different commercial food products derived from cricket (Acheta domesticus) and black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) are extracted using five different extraction buffers. The proteins are analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using allergen-specific antibodies and crustacean allergic patient sera. IgE binding bands are analyzed by mass spectrometry as well as the complete allergen profile of all 30 extracts. Urea-based buffers are most efficient in extracting insect allergens. Shrimp-specific antibody cross-reactivity to tropomyosin from cricket and BSF indicates high sequence and structural similarity between shrimp and insects. Additional unique allergens are identified in both species, including hemocyanin, vitellogenin, HSP20, apolipophorin-III, and chitin-binding protein. Identifying potential allergenic proteins and their isoforms in cricket and BSF requires specific extraction approaches using urea-based methods. While tropomyosin is the most abundant and immunoreactive allergen, seven unique allergens are identified, highlighting the need for insect species-specific allergen detection in food products.

Tribological properties of real foods using extended Stribeck curves and their relationship with nutritional and rheological parameters.

The tribological properties of 19 commercial food products, grouped into six categories (yogurt, dressings, spreads, porridges, emulsified sauces, and syrups) were investigated in relation to their rheological (dynamic oscillatory shear test) and nutritional properties (fat, carbohydrate, and protein). A tribological system (a glass ball and three polydimethylsiloxane pins) generated the extended Stribeck curve, monitoring friction factors (f) over an extended range of sliding speed (v) (10-8 to 100 m/s). Tribological parameters (f, v) at four inflection points dividing the frictional regimes (X1, breakaway point between the static and kinetic regimes; X1-X2, boundary; X2-X3, mixed; X3-X4, hydrodynamic regimes) and the slope between X3 and X4 (s) were subjected to principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components, using rheological and nutritional parameters as quantitative supplementary variables. Tribological patterns were predominantly influenced by viscosity, viscoelasticity, yield stress, fat content, and the presence of particles (e.g., sugar, proteins, and fibers) and pasting materials (e.g., starches and modified starches). The 19 tribological patterns were classified into 3 clusters: low f and s for fat- and/or viscoelastic-dominant foods (Cluster 1), low f and high s for food emulsions and/or those with low extent of shear-thinning (Cluster 2), and high f at the boundary regime either for the most viscous foods or for those in the presence of particulates (Cluster 3). These results suggest that the compositional and rheological properties have a more profound impact on the classification of complex tribological patterns than the categories of food products.

Ces44T as an endogenous reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR detection of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) ingredients in food

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a highly adaptable and nutritious plant that can be used to produce health-enhancing food products, edible oil, and functional ingredients. To ensure transparency, reliability, and accurate labeling throughout the food supply chain, accurate methods for identifying food ingredients are indispensable. In this study, the Ces44T gene was identified and validated as the endogenous reference gene for tiger nut. A real-time quantitative PCR assay targeting the Ces44T gene was developed, demonstrating exceptional specificity in distinguishing tiger nut from other plant species, and exhibiting remarkable stability across different tiger nut cultivars. Standard curves were established to validate the reliability and repeatability of the assay, displaying good linearity (R2 > 0.99) and PCR efficiency (90–110 %). The assay was estimated to have a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0033 ng of tiger nut genomic DNA per reaction and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.013 ng. We applied this assay to both laboratory-prepared samples and commercial food products, confirming its excellent specificity and robust performance. In conclusion, the developed real-time quantitative PCR assay provides an accurate means for the identification and quantification of tiger nut ingredients in various samples.

Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Two Extracts of Wild and Domesticated Carob Leaves.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Carob tree (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i> L.) is a perennial leguminous species and is known as a medicinal importance tree. This species exhibits a myriad of biological effects including antibacterial, antidiarrheal and antidiabetic. To this end, current study evaluates the difference between the phytochemical composition of the leaves of two accessions of "wild" and "domesticated" hermaphroditic carob trees. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The comparison between two carob accessions "wild" and "domesticated" was done according to methanolic extraction by the Soxhlet and aqueous extraction by maceration. The polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins and their antioxidant activity were measured. The ANOVA test was used for the analysis of results. <b>Results:</b> The total polyphenols in aqueous extract are 6.19±0.25 mg equivalent gallic acid/g dry weight (EGA/g DW) and 4.23±0.2 mg EGA/g DW) in carob fresh leaves for wild and domesticated trees, respectively. The flavonoid content was higher in methanolic extract (3.17±0.64 mg quercetin equivalent/g DW) than in aqueous extract (1.06±0.19 mg EQ/g DW) for wild trees. Wild accession recorded the highest concentration of condensed tannins in the methanolic extract (6.4±0.3 mg catechin equivalents/g DW) while low levels were recorded in aqueous extract (0.51±0.27 mg EC/g DW). <b>Conclusion:</b> Such knowledge is expected to be the key to understanding the biochemical composition of two different leaves of <i>C. siliqua</i> accessions and its various commercial food products.

A UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of Wheat Gluten in Commercial Food Products Using Summarized Marker Peptide Contents

A UHPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of Wheat Gluten in Commercial Food Products Using Summarized Marker Peptide Contents

Characterisation of titanium dioxide (nano)particles in foodstuffs and E171 additives by single particle inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry using a highly efficient sample introduction system

This study addressed primarily the characterisation and quantification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (nano)particles (NPs) in a large variety of commercial foodstuffs. The samples were purchased from local markets in Spain before the ban of TiO2 food additive (E171) in the EU. The analyses were carried out by single particle inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) in mass shift mode (oxidation of 48Ti to 48Ti16O (m/z = 64)) and using a highly efficient sample introduction system (APEX™ Ω). This novel analytical approach allowed accurate characterisation of a large panel of TiO2 NPs sizes ranging from ∼12 to ∼800 nm without isobaric interferences from 48Ca isotope, which is highly abundant in most of the analysed foodstuffs. TiO2 NPs were extracted from foodstuffs using sodium dodecyl sulphate (0.1%, w/v) and diluted with ultra-pure water to reach ∼ 1000 particles signals per acquisition. All the analysed samples contained TiO2 NPs with concentrations ranging from 1010 to 1014 particles kg−1, but with significant low recoveries compared to the total Ti determination. A selection of samples was also analysed using a similar spICP-MS/MS approach with a conventional sample introduction system. The comparison of results highlighted the improvement of the limit of detection in size (12 nm) by the APEX™ Ω system, providing nanoparticulate fractions ranging from ∼4% (cheddar sauce) up to ∼87% (chewing gum), which is among the highest nanoparticulate fractions reported in literature using a spICP-MS approach. In addition, two commercially available E171 additives were analysed using the previous approaches and other techniques in different European laboratories with the aim of methods inter-comparison. This study provides occurrence data related to TiO2 NPs in common commercial foodstuffs but it also demonstrates the potential of the novel analytical approach based on APEX™-ICP-MS/MS to characterise nano-size TiO2 particles in complex matrices such as foodstuffs.

Molecularly imprinted sensors for the determination of anthocyanins in food products

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor was developed for the sensitive and selective determination of anthocyanins in athletic food products. The sensor was fabricated by incorporating a conductive composite of graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles as the transducer material, which was modified with a silylation agent to enhance compatibility with the molecularly imprinted polymer. The MIP was synthesized using functional monomers that can interact with anthocyanins through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. The MIP sensor exhibited a linear response range from 1 nM to 10 μM for cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, with a detection limit of 0.3 nM. The sensor demonstrated high selectivity towards the target anthocyanin, with selectivity coefficients ranging from 7.2 to 48.6 over various interfering compounds. The MIP sensor was successfully applied to the determination of anthocyanin content in commercial athletic food products, with relative errors ranging from -2.1 % to 1.3 % compared to the reference HPLC method. The recoveries of anthocyanins from spiked food samples ranged from 96.4 % to 102.8 %.

Quantitation of milk proteins in thermally treated milk samples and commercial food products by ELISA test kits

This study evaluated four ELISA kits for quantitation of milk proteins in thermally treated milk samples and food products. How reference materials may be used for comparison of kit performance was examined. Protein contents determined by Veratox Total Milk generally reflected those determined by the 660 nm total protein assay. BioKits BLG Kit was less affected by thermal treatment but resulted in overestimation of protein contents in samples that were boiled, autoclaved or dry-heated at ≤149 °C, while ELISA Systems Casein (ES Casein) and Beta-Lactoglobulin (ES BLG) assays underestimated protein levels in these samples. The four kits gave similar results for ice cream. Veratox registered higher concentrations in all products tested but its sensitivity was greatly lowered in retorted products. ES Casein underperformed Veratox for baked and retorted products. BioKits BLG maintained a better sensitivity towards fried, baked and retorted products while ES BLG exhibited reduced sensitivity for these products.

Zinc Oxide:Gold Nanoparticles (ZnO:Au NPs) Exhibited Antifungal Efficacy Against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus candidus

Fungal pathogens are a major health issue that threatens the era of antifungal drugs commonly used in the treatment of infections. An effective approach of biosynthetic nanoparticles can be used as antifungal agents owing to their intrinsic features such as their simplicity, non-toxic, and physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study was aimed to molecularly ascertain Aspergillus species known to cause aspergillosis and investigate the potency of zinc oxide:gold nanoparticles (ZnO:Au NPs) against the fungal pathogens. Two Aspergillus strains retrieved with potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture media from commercial food products in South Africa were molecularly identified using calmodulin (CaM) gene region. DNA sequence phylogeny of the gene showed that the strains were A. niger and A. candidus. ZnO:Au (1%) NPs were synthesised and characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two distinct peak plasmon bands for ZnO and ZnO:Au NPs were 390 nm and 565 nm, respectively. FE-SEM images demonstrated the presence of Au on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles in the ZnO:Au nanocomposites. The ZnO:Au NPs antifungal activity of 10 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL concentrations were evaluated against the two Aspergillus spp. ZnO:Au NPs at 50 µg/mL exhibited a maximum antifungal activity against A. candidus and A. niger, with zones of inhibition (ZoI) of 31.2 ± 0.15 mm and 25.0 ± 0.06, respectively. When the ZoI was observed by SEM, major morphological damages on the conidia were observed for both strains, indicating that the antifungal activity may have been enhanced by the ZnO:Au NPs. Therefore, due to these outstanding properties, ZnO:Au NPs can be utilised as potential antifungal agents to inhibit the proliferation of fungal pathogens.

Cor1 Gene: A Suitable Marker for Identification of Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

This paper discusses the development of rapid, reliable, and accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detecting opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) in food. Endpoint, quantitative, and digital PCRs were compared based on the amplification of a newly developed DNA marker targeting the NADPH-dependent codeinone reductase (COR) gene. Designed assays were shown to be highly specific and sensitive in discriminating opium poppy from other plant species, even in heat-treated and food samples. Digital PCR was the most sensitive, with a detection limit of up to 5 copies, i.e., approximately 14 pg of target DNA per reaction. Quantitative and digital PCR further allowed the quantification of opium poppy in up to 1.5 ng and 42 pg (15 copies) of target DNA in a sample, respectively. In addition, two duplex PCRs have been developed for the simultaneous detection of opium poppy DNA and representatives of (i) the Papaveraceae family or (ii) the Plantae kingdom. Finally, all designed assays were successfully applied for analysis of 15 commercial foodstuffs; two were suspected of being adulterated. The study results have an important impact on addressing food fraud and ensuring the safety and authenticity of food products. Beyond food adulteration, the study may also have significant implications for forensics and law enforcement.

Advancing High-Throughput MS-Based Protein Quantification: A Case Study on Quantifying 10 Major Food Allergens by LC-MS/MS Using a One-Sample Multipoint External Calibration Curve.

The LC-MS-based method has emerged as the preferred approach for quantifying food allergens. However, the preparation of a traditional calibration curve (MSCC) is labor-intensive and error-prone. Here, a sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS method for quantifying 10 major food allergens was developed and validated, where the one-sample multipoint external calibration curve (OSCC) was employed instead of MSCC. By employing the multiple isotopologue reaction monitoring (MIRM) technique with only one spiked level in the blank, OSCC can be effectively established. Results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits excellent performance in selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, comparable to that of the traditional MSCC. Additionally, this strategy allows for isotope sample dilution by monitoring the less abundant MIRM channel. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to investigate the contamination of 10 food allergens in commercial food products. With its high throughput and robustness, the MIRM-OSCC-LC-MS/MS methodology has many potential applications, especially in the MS-based protein quantification analysis.

The biochemical composition and its relation to color of Ulva spp. upon harvest time

Green seaweed species of the genus Ulva are promising protein sources for food production. Various factors affect the biochemical composition of Ulva spp. (hereafter Ulva), which can complicate the utilization in a commercial scale food production. This study investigated the composition of Ulva harvested in 2021 in May (dark green/black biomass), June (light green biomass) and August (mixed colored biomass). The August harvest was divided into three different color codes: light green, green, and dark green/black, to explore a relation between color and composition as an indicator for biomass quality. The crude protein (CP) and ash contents were highest in the dark August biomass (16.4±0.4% and 35.9±3.0% of dry matter (DM), respectively) and in the dark biomass harvested in May (20.6±0.5% and 41.2±3.9% of DM, respectively). The light green Ulva harvested in June had a lower CP content (6.5±1.5% of DM) similarly to what was observed for light green biomass in August (7.7±0.1% of DM). The light green biomasses were found to have a higher nitrogen to amino acid (N-to-AA) conversion factor and proportion of essential amino acids (EAA). The lipid content ranged between 1.0-2.2±0.1-0.2% of DM for the different biomasses and a higher lipid content was related with a lighter biomass color. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations were highest in the green fraction, whereas the darker green/black biomass had higher contents of all other elements, including the toxic elements, arsenic and cadmium.Graphical abstract

Detection of vanillin in food products over Cu - laser induced graphene nanocomposite using the combined electrochemistry and UV–Vis spectroscopy principles

Vanillin is the fragrant phenolic compound widely used as a food additive. However, an excessive consumption of vanillin can have adverse effects on human health. Therefore, the development of a sensor for the rapid and precise measurement of vanillin is essential. In this study, vanillin is successfully measured using the UV–Vis spectroelectrochemical (SEC) method. The method uses the laser induced graphene (LIG)-supported Cu nanoparticles coated over an indium tin oxide (ITO) as the electrode. The precursor material for Cu-LIG is synthesized using the suspension polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde, with the in-situ inclusion of Cu during gel formation step. The resulting polymeric film is subjected to calcination, hydrogen-reduction, and laser ablation to create a conductive Cu-LIG layer. The synthesized material exhibits a high electrochemical surface area of 0.907 cm2/cm2 and electrical conductance of 0.002 S, rendering it a suitable electrocatalyst for the oxidation of vanillin. The Cu-LIG/ITO electrode is used in detecting the oxidized species of vanillin at 370 nm-wavelength post two cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles over 0–1.3 V potential. The sensor shows an excellent linear response (R2 value ∼ 0.993) over the concentration range 0.25–40 μg/mL, with 0.14 μg/mL limit of detection. Owing to the anti-interference ability of the SEC sensor, the intensity of UV–Vis absorbance at 370 nm remains unaffected against common interferents including glucose, fructose, ascorbic acid, and uric acid found in real food substances. This study has clearly shown the advantages of the combined electrochemistry and UV–Vis spectroscopy principles in quantitatively detecting oxidizable compounds in commercial food products.