Development and application of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for detection of milk adulteration in practice

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is widely applied for routine milk analysis. More recently, it has been used to detect a range of specific milk adulterants. Here, we show that the simultaneous use of targeted and untargeted models applied to FT-IR spectra for detecting potential milk adulterants across relevant concentration ranges is an effective strategy. Using an appropriate validation strategy, limits of detection, sensitivity and specificity are determined for specific adulterants giving a useful guide to how these models would work in a practical situation. Finally, theoretical limits of detection of a range of potential adulterants are listed.