Samples of wheat, spelt, rye, and triticale flours produced by different Polish mills were studied by both classic chemical methods and FT-IR MIR spectroscopy. An attempt was made to statistically correlate FT-IR spectral data with reference data with regard to content of various components, for example, proteins, fats, ash, and fatty acids as well as properties such as moisture, falling number, and energetic value. This correlation resulted in calibrated and validated statistical models for versatile evaluation of unknown flour samples. The calibration data set was used to construct calibration models with use of the CSR and the PLS with the leave one-out, cross-validation techniques. The calibrated models were validated with a validation data set. The results obtained confirmed that application of statistical models based on MIR spectral data is a robust, accurate, precise, rapid, inexpensive, and convenient methodology for determination of flour characteristics, as well as for detection of content of selected flour ingredients. The obtained models' characteristics were as follows: R2 = 0.97, PRESS = 2.14; R2 = 0.96, PRESS = 0.69; R2 = 0.95, PRESS = 1.27; R2 = 0.94, PRESS = 0.76, for content of proteins, lipids, ash, and moisture level, respectively. Best results of CSR models were obtained for protein, ash, and crude fat (R2 = 0.86; 0.82; and 0.78, resp.).

The present study was conducted to determine the oxidative stability of hazelnut oil and compare it with more common and previously tested olive oil and rapeseed oil. The oxidative stability was determined by means of two independent methods, pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC), and oxidative stability index (OSI) using TA Instruments DSC and Metrohm Rancimat equipment, respectively. Both the PDSC and Rancimat devices were set at five different isothermal temperatures in the range of 100-140°C. The times to reach peak maximum (s max ) obtained from PDSC exotherms were statistically related with the Rancimat induction times (s on ) to obtain correlation coefficient [0.99 within linear relation. Based on the Arrhenius equation and activated complex theory, activation energies (E a ), pre-exponential factors (Z), and specific rate constants (k) for studied oils oxidations were calculated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study dealing with oxidative stability of hazelnut oil using PDSC technique. According to the results obtained, PDSC seems to be useful and quick method for kinetic analysis of lipid oxidation in hazelnut oil.

In this study, Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy was investigated as a rapid and nondestructive method for the determination of selected quality parameters of oat flakes and cakes. The spectra of 14 commercial products were registered in the spectral range of 4,000-370 cm −1 . Chemometric approach was applied to collect spectral and reference data on fat content, fatty acid composition, and the heat of combustion, and to correlate them. Reference data were obtained with the use of Soxhlet method, gas chromatography, and bomb calorimetry. Statistically significant coefficients in the determination of spectral data and fat, linoleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid content, and energy value are R 2 =0.93, R 2 =0.93, R 2 =0.82, R 2 =0.92, and R 2 =0.95, respectively. The energy value, as well as the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid content, was statistically higher in cakes as compared to that in flakes.

Celem przeprowadzonych badań była ocena sensoryczna i spektralna wyrobów spirytusowych typu: wódka, gin, whisky oraz brandy poddanych procesowi liofilizacji. Zamrożone próbki (-80 °C) poddawano liofilizacji w liofilizatorze ALPHA1-4 LDC-1m firmy Christ. Proces prowadzono przy stałych parametrach: ciśnienie 63 Pa, ciśnienie bezpieczeństwa 103 Pa, czas 1,5 h. Przeprowadzono analizę sensoryczną metodą profilowania z wykorzystaniem jednobiegunowych skal kategorii. Zarejestrowano widma w podczerwieni otrzymanych liofilizatów techniką transmisyjną w filmie przy użyciu płytek wykonanych z kryształów KRS w zakresie spektralnym 4000-370 cm-1. Dane spektralne analizowano wykorzystując moduł analizy dyskryminacyjnej w programie OMNIC 8. Przy zastosowanych parametrach procesu w pierwszej kolejności parował etanol, co skutkowało otrzymaniem mieszanin bezalkoholowych. Proces liofilizacji może być więc łagodnym sposobem pozbywania się etanolu i wody z mieszaniny z zachowaniem innych ważnych składników, takich jak: barwniki, substancje smakowe czy aromaty.

Background. Extra virgin olive oils are valuable and healthy products, appreciated by consumers. The aim of this study was an attempt to detect adulteration of olive oils available on the Polish market (derived from Greece, Spain, and Italy) according to European Union Commission Regulation No 1348/2013. Material and methods. Ten extra virgin olive oils available on the Polish market were analysed for fatty acids composition, and amount and composition of sterols (including erythrodiol and uvaol) using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry, and values of extinction coefficients (K232 and K270). The results were compared with the requirements of European Union Commission Regulation No 1348/2013. Results. One of the most efficient methods for detecting olive oil adulteration is qualitative and quantitative analysis of sterols. In certain of the analysed extra virgin olive oils some abnormalities in composition were detected, which may indicate an attempt to falsify the products. One of the methods can detect if extra virgin olive oils have been adulterated, and if they were falsified with the addition of olive pomace oil. Conclusions. Our research proves that consumers are sometimes misinformed and some food manufacturers attempt to sell lower quality products as high-quality products. There is a need to constantly monitor the quality of foodstuffs and provide consumers with access to reliable information on food products.