Food Quality Monitoring Research Articles

A novel dual-channel cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol-based film for visual monitoring of shrimp freshness

In this study, the polyvinylpyrrolidone-alizarin nanoparticles (PVP-AZ NPs) with favorable water dispersion and the carbon quantum dots (RQDs) with aggregate induced emission effect were synthesized to construct an eco-friendly film for food freshness monitoring. The introduction of PVP-AZ NPs and RQDs enhanced the network structure and thermal stability of the cassava starch/polyvinyl alcohol film, and reduced its crystallinity and light transmittance via non-covalent binding with the film-forming matrix. The developed film exhibited visually recognizable colorimetric and fluorescent responses to ammonia at 0.025–25 mg/mL, and it can be reused at least 6 times. Practical application experiment proved that the film, as an indicator label, can achieve accurate, real-time, and visual dynamic monitoring of the freshness of shrimp stored at 25 °C, 4 °C, and − 20 °C under daylight (orange yellow to purple) and UV light (red to blue). The integration of multivariate detection technology can eliminate the interference of external factors by self-correction to improve sensitivity and reliability, which provides a reference for the development of other food quality and safety monitoring platforms.

In Situ Heterojunction-based PEC Sensor Coupled with LSPR for Sensitive Detection of Aflatoxin B1

To enhance the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors, heterojunction construction is a workable technique. However, the interface defects inside the structure are often ignored. In this work, an innovative photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on a “turn-off” PEC model was constructed using the synergistic effects of in situ growing heterojunction and local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) to detect Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) instantly. In situ heterojunctions were constructed based on bismuth-based perovskite, and the internal electric field spontaneously established during the growth process can effectively compensate for the interfacial defects and promote the separation and transfer of e−/h+ pairs. Moreover, the gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) LSPR effect can improve PEC performance by enhancing the light trapping ability of the material. The PEC sensor’s detecting area for AFB1 analysis is 10.0 fg/ml-100 ng ml−1, and the detection limit is 4.34 fg ml−1. Good stability, reproducibility, and selectivity underscore the sensor’s suitability for meeting the requirements of food quality monitoring.

Organelle-like water-borne curcumin nanoparticles with smart fluorescence for anti-counterfeiting and food quality monitoring

Current fluorescent labels are often expensive and environmentally unfriendly and tend to lose their fluorescence when combined with dry and hydrophilic substrates because of their hydrophobic nature. Thus, the development of environmentally friendly, low-cost, and scalable fluorescent materials is still highly desirable but significantly challenging, especially for anti-counterfeiting and food quality monitoring. In this study, highly fluorescent nanoparticles were prepared by mimicking organelles and using natural and sustainable curcumin as a fluorescent component. The preparation process was easily scalable via traditional seeded emulsion polymerization methods and green without using additional organic solvents. The resulting curcumin-based fluorescent nanoparticles (CFNs) were well dispersed in water, offering smart fluorescence in water-based environments or a dried polymer coating. In particular, CFNs-based coatings could be used for effective smart anti-counterfeiting and food quality monitoring. The proposed strategies may inspire the design of novel, green, and sustainable smart fluorescent materials/coatings for applications in anti-counterfeiting, smart food tags and labels, and visual sensing systems.

Machine learning enabled microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch for wound health monitoring and meat spoilage detection

Since pH can alter the biological functions, level of nutrients, wound healing process, and the behavior of chemicals, various healthcare and food industries are showing increased interest in manufacturing low-cost optical pH sensors for meat spoilage detection and wound health monitoring. To meet this demand, we have developed a simple and low-cost machine learning-enabled microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch that can be used for food quality and wound health monitoring applications. The 3D–printed ultrasharp open side channel microneedle array facilitated the autonomous fluid extraction and transportation via surface tension for colorimetric pH sensing. Further, to predict the exact pH value against the obtained color on the pH-test strip, a machine learning model was prepared using experimentally collected different color images obtained from a known pH solution. Furthermore, to make the device user-friendly for older individuals and color-blind individuals, a simple and smartphone-enabled web application was prepared using the developed machine learning model. The proof-of-concept study of the developed patch was demonstrated by determining the pH of real meat samples before and after spoilage and detecting pH in two different skin-mimicking in vitro models (phantom gel and parafilm tape) using a smartphone. The analytical results demonstrated that the developed machine learning-enabled microneedle-based colorimetric pH sensing patch has excellent potential for wound health and food safety applications.

Smart nano-inks based on natural food colorant for screen-printing of dynamic shelf life of shrimp

Intelligent packaging embedded with food freshness indicators can monitor food quality and be deployed for food safety and cutting food waste. The innovative nano-inks for dynamic shelf-life printing based on natural food colorant with application in real-time monitoring of shrimp freshness were prepared. Co-assembly of saffron petal anthocyanin (SPA) with hydrophobic curcumin (Cur) into chitin nano-scaffold (particle sizes around 26 ± 8 nm) could deliver hindering SPA leaching, confirmed by FT-IR, FE-SEM, AFM, and color stability test. The best response to pH-sensitivity was found in a ratio of (1:4) Cur/SPA (30% (v/w) in ChNFs that was correlated with the chemical and microbial changes of shrimp during shrimp freshness. However, smart screen-printed inks signified higher responsiveness to pH changes than FFI films. Therefore, smart-printed indicators introduced the excellent potential for a short response time, easy, cost-effective, eco-friendly, co-assembly, great color stabilities, and lifetime for nondestructively freshness monitoring foods and supplements.

3D Printing Technology: Role in Safeguarding Food Security.

The rising threats to food security include several factors, such as population growth, low agricultural investment, and poor distribution systems. Consequently, food insecurity results from a confluence of issues, including diseases, processing limitations, and distribution deficiencies. Food insecurity usually occurs in vulnerable areas where certain technologies and traditional food safety testing are not a viable solution for foodborne disease detection. In this regard, 3D printing technologies and 3D printed sensors open the platform to produce portable, accurate, and low-cost sensors that address the gaps and challenges in food security. In this paper, we discuss the perspective role of 3D printed sensors in food security in terms of food safety and food quality monitoring to provide reliable access to nutritious, affordable food. In each section, we highlight the advantages of 3D printing technology in terms of cost-effectiveness, accuracy, accessibility, and reproducibility compared to traditional manufacturing methodologies. Recent developments in robotic technologies for mechanization, such as food handling with soft grippers, are also discussed. Lastly, we delve into the applications of advanced 3D printing technologies in agricultural monitoring, particularly the future of plant wearables, environmental sensing, and overall plant health monitoring.

Polydopamine-modified MXene/cellulose nanofibers composite film for self-powered humidity sensing and humidity actuating

Humidity sensors are of great significance in the domains of wearable electronic products, environmental and food quality monitoring, and human healthcare. In general, they necessitate an external power source in the form of a battery. Despite considerable efforts, developing self-powered sensing systems without reliance on an external power supply remains a major challenge. Herein, an electrochemical humidity sensor with primary battery structure based on redox reaction was designed, in which polydopamine (PDA)-modified MXene/TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers/LiCl (PDMM/TOCNFs/LiCl) composite film serves as electrolyte layer. The introduction of TOCNFs confers outstanding structural stability and superior tensile strength upon the composite film. Importantly, the hygroscopic and ionic conductivity properties of the PDMM/TOCNFs/LiCl electrolyte allow the sensor to generate spontaneous voltage over a wide relative humidity (RH) range of 11 – 91%. In addition, the developed sensor exhibits excellent humidity-sensing performances, including high voltage response, fast response/recovery time, and superior humidity-sensing stability. Moreover, mussel-inspired PDA improves the ambient stability of MXene by engineering interfacial interactions, which imparts the hygroscopic PDMM/TOCNFs/LiCl composite film with desirable stability for practical applications. Finally, the potential applications of the sensor and the composite film in human respiration, non-contact sensing, and humidity actuating are demonstrated. This work paves the way for the development of an innovative self-powered humidity sensing system.

Eco-innovative electrochemical sensing for precise detection of vanillin and sulfadiazine additives in confectioneries

The continuous emergence of food additives and contaminants in edibles, especially confectioneries, demands advanced detection methods to ensure public health and safety. Vanillin (VAL) and sulfadiazine (SD) are of paramount concern due to their extensive application in various products. While VAL is favored for its flavoring attributes, SD, a common antibiotic, can inadvertently contaminate food items. For accurate and swift detection of these compounds, we introduced an innovative electrochemical sensor using cobalt oxide nanostructures. Notably, synthesizing these nanostructures through a green approach using glucose and starch is a significant advancement, offering both environmental benefits and enhanced material properties. The novelty of the material lies in its eco-friendly synthesis route and superior electrocatalytic performance. Preliminary results indicate a promising limit of detection (LOD) VAL= 0.003 µM & SD= 0.0055 µM and a broad linear range 0.02–209 µM emphasizing its potential for real-world food quality monitoring. This work, therefore, provides a crucial intersection of sustainable material synthesis and effective food contaminant detection, heralding a new era in food safety evaluation.

In Situ Growth of Conductive Metal-Organic Framework onto Cu2O for Highly Selective and Humidity-Independent Hydrogen Sulfide Detection in Food Quality Assessment.

The sensitivity of chemiresistive gas sensors based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) has been inherently affected by ambient humidity because their reactive oxygen species are easily hydroxylated by water molecules, which significantly reduces the accuracy of the gas sensors in food quality assessment. Although conventional metal organic frameworks (MOFs) can serve as coatings for MOSs for humidity-independent gas detection, they have to operate at high working temperatures due to their low or nonconductivity, resulting in high power consumption, significant manufacturing inconvenience, and short-term stability due to the oxidation of MOFs. Here, the conductive and thickness-controlled CuHHTP (HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene)-coated Cu2O are developed by combining in situ etching and layer-by-layer liquid-phase growth method, which achieves humidity-independent detection of H2S at room temperature. The response to H2S only decreases by 2.6% below 75% relative humidity (RH), showing a 9.6-fold improvement than the bare Cu2O sensor, which is ascribed to the fact that the CuHHTP layer hinders the adsorption of water molecules. Finally, a portable alarm system is developed to monitor food quality by tracking released H2S. Compared with gas chromatography method, their relative error is within 9.4%, indicating a great potential for food quality assessment.

Identification of closely related species in Aspergillus through Analysis of Whole-Genome.

The challenge of discriminating closely related species persists, notably within clinical diagnostic laboratories for invasive aspergillosis (IA)-related species and food contamination microorganisms with toxin-producing potential. We employed Analysis of the whole-GEnome (AGE) to address the challenges of closely related species within the genus Aspergillus and developed a rapid detection method. First, reliable whole genome data for 77 Aspergillus species were downloaded from the database, and through bioinformatic analysis, specific targets for each species were identified. Subsequently, sequencing was employed to validate these specific targets. Additionally, we developed an on-site detection method targeting a specific target using a genome editing system. Our results indicate that AGE has successfully achieved reliable identification of all IA-related species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus) and three well-known species (A. flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, and Aspergillus oryzae) within the Aspergillus section. Flavi and AGE have provided species-level-specific targets for 77 species within the genus Aspergillus. Based on these reference targets, the sequencing results targeting specific targets substantiate the efficacy of distinguishing the focal species from its closely related species. Notably, the amalgamation of room-temperature amplification and genome editing techniques demonstrates the capacity for rapid and accurate identification of genomic DNA samples at a concentration as low as 0.1 ng/μl within a concise 30-min timeframe. Importantly, this methodology circumvents the reliance on large specialized instrumentation by presenting a singular tube operational modality and allowing for visualized result assessment. These advancements aptly meet the exigencies of on-site detection requirements for the specified species, facilitating prompt diagnosis and food quality monitoring. Moreover, as an identification method based on species-specific genomic sequences, AGE shows promising potential as an effective tool for epidemiological research and species classification.

Wireless Sensor for Meat Freshness Assessment Based on Radio Frequency Communication.

Wireless communication technologies, particularly radio frequency (RF), have been widely explored for wearable electronics with secure and user-friendly information transmission. By exploiting the operational principle of chemically actuated resonant devices (CARDs) and the electrical response observed in chemiresistive materials, we propose a simple and hands-on alternative to design and manufacture RF tags that function as CARDs for wireless sensing of meat freshness. Specifically, the RF antennas were meticulously designed and fabricated by lithography onto a flexible substrate with conductive tape, and the RF signal was characterized in terms of amplitude and peak resonant frequency. Subsequently, a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/MoS2/In2O3 chemiresistive composite was incorporated into the RF tag to convey it as CARDs. The RF signal was then utilized to establish a correlation between the sensor's electrical response and the RF attenuation signal (reflection coefficient) in the presence of volatile amines and seafood (shrimp) samples. The freshness of the seafood samples was systematically assessed throughout the storage time by utilizing the CARDs, thereby underscoring their effective potential for monitoring food quality. Specifically, the developed wireless tags provide cumulative amine exposure data within the food package, demonstrating a gradual decrease in radio frequency signals. This study illustrates the versatility of RF tags integrated with chemiresistors as a promising pathway toward scalable, affordable, and portable wireless chemical sensors.

Biosensor in smart food traceability system for food safety and security

ABSTRACT The burden of food contamination and food wastage has significantly contributed to the increased prevalence of foodborne disease and food insecurity all over the world. Due to this, there is an urgent need to develop a smarter food traceability system. Recent advancements in biosensors that are easy-to-use, rapid yet selective, sensitive, and cost-effective have shown great promise to meet the critical demand for onsite and immediate diagnosis and treatment of food safety and quality control (i.e. point-of-care technology). This review article focuses on the recent development of different biosensors for food safety and quality monitoring. In general, the application of biosensors in agriculture (i.e. pre-harvest stage) for early detection and routine control of plant infections or stress is discussed. Afterward, a more detailed advancement of biosensors in the past five years within the food supply chain (i.e. post-harvest stage) to detect different types of food contaminants and smart food packaging is highlighted. A section that discusses perspectives for the development of biosensors in the future is also mentioned.

Revolutionizing food quality assessment: Unleashing the potential of artificial intelligence for enhancing honey physicochemical, biochemical, and melissopalynological insights

In the pursuit of advancing food quality assessment, this study employs sophisticated data-driven techniques to delve into the complex realm of honey analysis. With the aim of unraveling the multifaceted nature of honey quality, Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were employed to scrutinize the interplay of physicochemical, biochemical, and melissopalynological attributes in honey samples collected from the diverse drylands of Algeria. The dataset comprised 62 honey samples and eight crucial parameters. These parameters span climate zones (arid vs. desertic), honeybee breeds (Tellian, Saharan, and hybrid), honey extraction methods (manual pressing vs. electric centrifugation), and beekeeping systems (modern vs. traditional). Using SOMs, honey samples were categorized into distinct clusters that reflect variations across these four honey-related variables. Additionally, SOM heatmaps offer granular insights into individual parameters' distribution across the SOM map. Our analysis revealed nuanced distinctions in honey quality across North African regions, with specific parameters playing a pivotal role in defining honey quality. On average, the honey samples exhibited the following characteristics: a water content of 15.14 %, an electrical conductivity of 0.5 µS/cm, a pH of 4.20, a total sugar content of 83 %, a reducing sugar content of 63.83 %, a proline concentration of 382.7 mg/kg of honey, an hydroxymethylfurfural level of 77.4 mg/kg, and an average pollen grain density of 4.56 × 105 grains per 10 g of honey. Notably, the study identified clear demarcations in honey quality linked to beekeeping systems and revealed characteristics associated with bee breeds and extraction techniques. The results underscored the significance of selected honey parameters as key indicators of quality. This analytical approach not only offered a comprehensive assessment of honey quality but also holds potential for broader applications within the food industry. The findings invite further exploration into the ecological and genetic dimensions of beekeeping practices in North Africa to deepen our understanding of honey's multifaceted attributes. This study showcased the efficacy of SOMs and PCA in unraveling the complex fabric of honey quality assessment. These data-driven techniques, complemented by the structured dataset and analytical approach used, provided valuable insights that contributed to enhancing the scientific understanding of honey quality. By elucidating the complex relationships between physicochemical, biochemical, and melissopalynological parameters and honey quality, this research paves the way for future studies in this field and holds promise for broader applications in food quality assessment and monitoring.

The Effect of Polymerization Techniques on the Creation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensors and Their Application on Pharmaceutical Compounds.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have become more prevalent in fabricating sensor applications, particularly in medicine, pharmaceuticals, food quality monitoring, and the environment. The ease of their preparation, adaptability of templates, superior affinity and specificity, improved stability, and the possibility for downsizing are only a few benefits of these sensors. Moreover, from a medical perspective, monitoring therapeutic medications and determining pharmaceutical compounds in their pharmaceutical forms and biological systems is very important. Additionally, because medications are hazardous to the environment, effective, quick, and affordable determination in the surrounding environment is of major importance. Concerning a variety of performance criteria, including sensitivity, specificity, low detection limits, and affordability, MIP sensors outperform other published technologies for analyzing pharmaceutical drugs. MIP sensors have, therefore, been widely used as one of the most crucial techniques for analyzing pharmaceuticals. The first part of this review provides a detailed explanation of the many polymerization techniques that were employed to create high-performing MIP sensors. In the subsequent section of the review, the utilization of MIP-based sensors for quantifying the drugs in their pharmaceutical preparation, biological specimens, and environmental samples are covered in depth. Finally, a critical evaluation of the potential future research paths for MIP-based sensors clarifies the use of MIP in pharmaceutical fields.

A smartphone-controlled portable multiplexed photoelectrochemical sensor based on dual UV intelligent response system-assisted signal resolution strategy

Portable multiplexed photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor is essential for on-site detection of multiple targets in complex environment. However, the evolution of portable multiplexed PEC sensor is still constrained by specialized instruments and complex multi-interface modification steps, etc. In this work, we design a UV-assisted multiple signals resolution strategy and construct a smartphone-controlled portable multiplexed PEC sensor. Specifically, following the dual-target biorecognition, UV light triggers the cleavage of photo-responsive DNA so that the dual DNA signal labels can be separated. When the signal label (first target) attaches to the azobenzene-covalently bound DNA (Abz-DNA) and triggers HCR on the electrode surface, UV light illumination induces the structure change of azobenzene, resulting in the detachment of Abz-DNA/HCR complex from the electrode surface. After reincorporation of fresh Abz-DNA, the reconstituted photoelectrode can be reused for the second target analysis. The feasibility of the sensor is validated through the simultaneous detection of two co-existing mycotoxins in corn. Notably, the UV-meditated signal discrimination strategy and smartphone-displayed multi-photocurrent readout enable the portability of the PEC sensor, making it possible for in-situ monitoring of environmental safety and food quality.

Applications of chemically modified screen-printed electrodes in food analysis and quality monitoring: a review.

Food analysis and food quality monitoring are vital aspects of the food industry, ensuring the safety and authenticity of various food products, from packaged goods to fast food. In this comprehensive review, we explore the applications of chemically modified Screen-Printed Electrodes (SPEs) in these critical domains. SPEs have become extremely useful devices for ensuring food safety and quality assessment because of their adaptability, affordability, and convenience of use. The Introduction opens the evaluation, that covers a wide spectrum of foods, encompassing packaged, junk food, and food quality concerns. This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of chemically modified SPEs, including their nature, types, utilization, and the advantages they offer in the context of food analysis. Subsequently, the review delves into the multitude applications of SPEs in food analysis, ranging from the detection of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, which are significant indicators of food spoilage and safety, to the identification of pesticide residues, food colorants, chemicals, toxins, and antibiotics. Furthermore, chemically modified SPEs have proven to be invaluable in the quantification of metal ions and vitamins in various food matrices, shedding light on nutritional content and quality.

Advancements in food quality monitoring: integrating biosensors for precision detection

The integration of advanced biosensors enhances the detection of contaminants in food. This approach addresses challenges related to sensitivity, specificity, and environmental factors, ensuring food safety and quality.

Dual-signal detection of tannic acid in red wines based on the peroxidase activity of carbon dots.

Herein, a novel type of phosphorus and iron-doped carbon dot (P,Fe-CD) with outstanding peroxidase activity and excellent fluorescence performance was hydrothermally synthesized to colorimetrically and fluorimetrically detect tannic acid (TA). In the presence of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and H2O2, the P,Fe-CDs could oxidize colorless TMB to a blue oxidation product (oxTMB) resulting in an increased value of absorbance. Simultaneously, the fluorescence intensity of P,Fe-CDs at 430 nm could be quenched owing to the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between P,Fe-CDs and the generated oxTMB. Meanwhile, after adding the TA to the system containing TMB, H2O2 and P,Fe-CDs, the value of absorbance could be decreased and the fluorescence could be recovered because of the reduction reaction between TA and oxTMB. Therefore, fluorescence intensity and value of absorbance could be applied to quantitatively detect TA with good linearities between the concentration of TA and the fluorescence intensity/value of absorbance (0.997 and 0.997 for the colorimetric signal and fluorimetric one, respectively) and low limits of detection (0.093 μmol L-1 and 0.053 μmol L-1 for the colorimetry and the fluorimetry, respectively), which was successfully applied to the detection of TA in red wines. Moreover, we applied a smartphone-assisted method to the point-of-care detection of TA with accurate results, providing a new technique for TA detection and food quality monitoring.

Irreversible colorimetric bio-based curcumin bilayer membranes for smart food packaging temperature control applications.

Research into innovative food safety technologies has led to the development of smart packaging with embedded chemical sensors that can monitor food quality throughout the supply chain. Thermochromic materials (TM), which are able to dynamically change colour in response to temperature fluctuations, have proven to be reliable indicators of food quality in certain environments. Natural colourants such as curcumin are becoming increasingly popular for smart packaging due to their low toxicity, environmental friendliness and ability to change colour. The innovation in this research lies in the production of a bio-based bilayer membrane specifically designed for irreversible temperature monitoring. Membrane A was prepared by dissolving cellulose acetate and curcumin in acetone at room temperature, with glycerol serving as a plasticiser. At the same time, membrane B was carefully formulated by dissolving cellulose acetate and triethanolamine in acetone, with sorbitol as plasticiser. The preparation of these different membranes revealed a remarkable event: a gradual and irreversible colour transition from an initial yellow to a brick-red hue after 24 hours of storage at 25 °C. The chemical structure and morphological analyses of the membranes were performed using several techniques, including FTIR, DSC and SEM. The membrane labels were adhered to aluminium cans and their colorimetric response was observed over a period of 10 days. Minimal colour variations were observed, confirming the reproducibility and stability of the curcumin-based membranes as temperature sensors.

Hospital Food Services Satisfaction Survey among Healthcare Professionals in a Tunisian University Hospital

Background: Periodic monitoring of food quality can help determine the staff’s satisfaction at any institution, such as the hospital. However, the lack of published studies on the evaluation of staff’s satisfaction with hospital food prompted us to conduct the first survey on this topic in Tunisia. The aim was to determine the prevalence of food satisfaction among health professionals and identify factors affecting the satisfaction level. Methods: It was an analytic cross-sectional study conducted among all staff members of Farhat Hached University Hospital in Sousse in November 2020. Data collection took place over a period of 10 days with one service being surveyed per day. Free and informed consent was obtained from all participants. Categorical variables were described in percentages and compared using the Chisquare test. Univariate analyses were performed to examine associations between the level of satisfaction and various factors. Binary logistic regression was used to eliminate confounding factors. Results: A total of 240 professionals participated in the survey. The majority were female (72.5%) with an M/F sex ratio of 0.38, under 40 years old (94.6%), medical doctors (78.8%), and having less than 5 years of professional experience (73.3%). The overall satisfaction rate was 33.3%. The majority of healthcare professionals were not satisfied with the quality of food (75.8%) and with the personal hygiene of staff who presented the food (78.4%). Factors associated with hospital food satisfaction were the taste and variety of food, cleanliness, quality of dishes, and consuming the entire meal. Conclusion: It is the first study to report the meal experience as perceived by hospital staff in Tunisia. The overall satisfaction rate has been found to be 33.3%, which remains low. Efforts should be made to improve the presentation of all meals. Periodic monitoring of food quality can help determine if recommendations and staff expectations are being met.