Enhancing traceability of wheat quality through the supply chain

Abstract

With the growing global population, the need for food is expected to grow tremendously in the next few decades. One of the key tools to address such growing food demand is minimizing grain losses and optimizing food processing operations. Hence, several research studies are underway to reduce grain losses/degradation at the farm (upon harvest) and later during the milling and baking processes. However, less attention has been paid to changes in grain quality between harvest and milling. This paper aims to address this knowledge gap and discusses possible strategies for preserving grain quality (for Canadian wheat in particular) during unit operations at primary, process, or terminal elevators. To this end, the importance of wheat flour quality metrics is briefly described, followed by a discussion on the effect of grain properties on such quality parameters. This work also explores how drying, storage, blending, and cleaning, as some of the common post-harvest unit operations, could affect grain's end-product quality. Finally, an overview of the available techniques for grain quality monitoring is provided, followed by a discussion on existing gaps and potential solutions for quality traceability throughout the wheat supply chain.

Assessing the effects of free fall conditions on damage to chickpea seeds: A comprehensive examination of seed deterioration

“…A potential topic to consider in future research is exploring the correlation between seed damage, particularly in terms of germination percentage and microstructural data obtained from X‐rays (Nadimi et al., 2022 ; Nadimi, Divyanth, & Paliwal, 2023 ). Furthermore, advanced machine vision tools like imaging or spectroscopy could be utilized to automate the assessment of mechanical damage in seeds (Hosainpour et al., 2022 ; Nadimi et al., 2021 ; Nadimi, Divyanth, Chaudhry, et al., 2023 ; Nadimi, Hawley, Liu, et al., 2023 ). It is worth noting that the current study only focused on damage to chickpea seeds.…”

“…Furthermore, advanced machine vision tools like imaging or spectroscopy could be utilized to automate the assessment of mechanical damage in seeds (Hosainpour et al, 2022;Nadimi et al, 2021;Nadimi, Divyanth, Chaudhry, et al, 2023;Nadimi, Hawley, Liu, et al, 2023). It is worth noting that the current study only focused on damage to chickpea seeds.…”

Assessment of Mechanical Damage and Germinability in Flaxseeds Using Hyperspectral Imaging

“…Unlike single-point spectroscopy techniques, HSI offers the unique advantage of both spatial and spectral evaluation, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of crop quality. HSI has already shown promise in assessing various crop properties, including compositional, functional, and sanitary indicators [ 7 ]. Our research extends this utility to the evaluation of mechanical damage in crops, and therefore, contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the versatility and efficiency of HSI in agri-food product quality assessment.…”

“…Among the threats mentioned above, mechanical damage to seeds during harvesting and post-harvest processing is widespread and carries substantial implications for the quality and yield of many crops. Seeds subjected to damage may lose their viability, becoming increasingly prone to insect and fungal infestations, which degrade seed quality and reduce market value [ 7 ]. Given the robust demand for flaxseeds and the rigorous import regulations in place, extensive quality standards have been instituted to dictate precise grading criteria [ 8 ].…”

“…Particularly in the case of flaxseed, the use of 2D X-ray imaging coupled with machine learning tools demonstrated high efficacy, achieving accuracies of up to 91% in differentiating mechanically damaged flaxseeds [ 34 ]. Despite their robust statistical reliability, radiographic imaging methods are hindered by low throughput and elevated system costs [ 7 ]. Consequently, the flaxseed industry highly values an efficient alternative to monitor seed quality.…”