Hi-tech tool to spot spoilt food

PEOPLE often decide whether food at the back of the refrigerator is still edible by giving it a sniff and looking at the “sellby” date.

A multinational plastics company called Braskem wants to bring a little more science into the decision.

It has developed a way to make plastic food or beverage containers change from one colour to another when they react to the changing pH levels of their contents, a sign that certain products may be spoiling. A new detection system will probably require support from not only consumers but cost-conscious retailers. Braskem executives contend costs should come down as the technology gains wide acceptance.

One way would be if the technology could help catch food fraud, such as added filler ingredients in pet food, and increase food safety.

Braskem hopes it can begin delivering the containers to stores in two years. – Washington Post