Browsing by Author "Fadiji, Tobi"

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    Artificial intelligence for prediction of shelf-life of various food products: recent advances and ongoing challenges
    (Elsevier, 2025-05-01) Rashvand, Mahdi; Ren, Yuqiao; Sun, Da-Wen; Senge, Julia; Krupitzer, Christian; Fadiji, Tobi; Miró, Marta Sanzo; Shenfield, Alex; Watson, Nicholas J.; Zhang, Hongwei
    Background: Accurate estimation of shelf-life is essential to maintain food safety, reduce wastage, and improve supply chain efficiency. Traditional methods such as microbial and chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation provide reproducible results but require time and labor and may not be suitable for real-time or high-throughput applications. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced analysis techniques offers a suitable alternative for rapid, data-driven estimation of shelf-life in dynamic storage environments. Approach and scope: The current review assesses the application of AI-based techniques such as machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and hybrid approaches in food product shelf life prediction. This study highlights how AI can be utilized to examine data from non-destructive testing methods like hyperspectral imaging, spectroscopy, machine vision, and electronic sensors to enhance predictive performance. The review also describes how AI-based techniques contribute to managing food quality, reduce economic losses, and enhance sustainability by ensuring optimized food distribution and reducing waste. Key findings and conclusions: AI techniques overcome conventional techniques by considering intricate, multi-sourced information capturing microbiological, biochemical, and environmental factors influencing food spoilage. Meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and beverage case studies illustrate AI techniques' superiority in real-time monitoring and quality assessment. It also identifies limitations such as data availability, model generalizability, and computational cost, constraining extensive applications. Cloud and Internet of Things (IoT) platform integration into future applications has to be considered to enable real-time decision-making and adaptive modeling. AI can be a paradigm-changing tool in food industries with intelligent, scalable, and low-cost interventions in food safety, waste reduction, and sustainability.
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    Combined oven/freeze drying as a cost and energy-efficient drying method for preserving quality attributes and volatile compounds of carrot slices
    (Frontiers, 2025-01-09) Mina, Zobabalo Progress; Kaseke, Tafadzwa; Fadiji, Tobi; Silue, Yardjouma; Fawole, Olaniyi Amos
    Introduction An effective and efficient drying method for preserving fresh carrots is essential in food processing. Combined drying represents a novel approach that addresses the shortcomings of conventional methods by balancing energy consumption, cost, and product quality. Methods This study evaluated the impact of combining oven drying (OD) with freeze-drying (FD) on drying behavior, energy requirements, costs, enzyme activity, and the physicochemical and sensory properties of dried carrots. Drying conditions included 36 hours of FD, OD, and combinations of OD and FD at 1 h of OD + 21 h of FD (OD1-FD21), 2 h of OD + 18 h of FD (OD2-FD18), 3 h of OD + 15 h of FD (OD3-FD15), and 9 h of OD. Results and discussion Compared to FD alone, the OD-FD combination reduced drying time by 39–50% and decreased energy consumption and costs by 40–56%. FD and OD-FD reduced polyphenol oxidase activity by 71–85% and peroxidase activity by 29–52% compared to OD alone. FD carrot slices retained significantly higher levels of β-carotene (11.67–25.96 mg/100 g DM), lycopene (9.91–21.85 mg/100 g DM), total phenolic content (7.12–10.24 mg GAE/100 g DM), and DPPH radical scavenging activity (16.44–19.38 mM AAE/100 g DM) than OD and OD-FD slices. OD-FD slices exhibited the highest levels of volatile compounds, including aldehydes, terpenes, esters, alcohols, ketones, and acids, indicating superior flavor preservation. Conclusion The OD2-FD18 combination emerged as the optimal method, significantly reducing energy consumption and costs while maintaining better β-carotene, total phenolic content, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and volatile compound profiles. This study highlights the potential of combined drying methods to enhance drying efficiency and product quality.
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    Food logistics 4.0: opportunities and challenges
    (MDPI, 2020-12-30) Jagtap, Sandeep; Bader, Farah; Garcia-Garcia, Guillermo; Trollman, Hana; Fadiji, Tobi; Salonitis, Konstantinos
    Food Logistics 4.0 is a term derived from Industry 4.0 focusing on all the aspects of food logistics management based on cyber-physical systems. It states that real-time information and the interconnectivity of things, supplemented with novel technologies will revolutionise and improve the way food logistics is carried out. It has tremendous potential in terms of bringing transparency, swift delivery of food at reduced cost, flexibility, and capability to deliver the right quality product at the right place and at the right time. This paper discusses the vital technologies within Food Logistics 4.0 and the opportunities and challenges in this regard. It focuses primarily on food logistics, including resource planning, warehouse management, transportation management, predictive maintenance, and data security. Internet of Things, Blockchain, Robotics and Automation and artificial intelligence are some of the technologies discussed.
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    Investigation of the horizontal collision damage behavior of fruit during transporting based on a new instrumented impactor
    (Elsevier, 2024-07-01) Wang, Minggang; Shi, Mingwei; Fadiji, Tobi; Li, Zhiguo; Song, Guoxiong
    Horizontal collisions between fruit and rigid walls are a common occurrence in postharvest packaging and transportation. To address this issue, a novel high-precision instrumented impactor was developed, comprising a high-speed imaging system, an ejection device, and a force sensor. Results showed that the impactor was able to effectively simulate the horizontal collision process between various small spherical fruits (such as cherry tomatoes, plums, sweet cherries, and winter jujubes) and packaging materials at three velocities: slow, medium, and high. Output parameters included the impact force and impact time of the fruit acting on each packaging material, as well as the displacement, displacement rate, impact energy, rebound energy, and absorption energy of the fruit. During the horizontal collision simulation, it was observed that the winter jujube exhibited the largest impact force and the shortest impact time among the four types of fruit tested. Conversely, the sweet cherry demonstrated the lowest proportion of damage area when colliding with the EPE board compared to the rigid board and foam board. This study presents a powerful tool for investigating the horizontal collision behaviour between fruit and rigid plates.
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    Investigation on the protection ability of two commonly packaging methods to apples during express transportation
    (Elsevier, 2025-03-01) Yu, Jincheng; Qiang, Hongli; Shi, Mingwei; Li, Zhiguo; Fadiji, Tobi; Wani, Ali Abas; Burgeon, Clément
    Packaging plays a vital role in the post-harvest sales process of apples. This study conducted express transportation tests to evaluate the protective effectiveness of two commonly used packaging methods for apples. Key parameters assessed included real-time changes in temperature, humidity, vibration load, and CO₂ levels inside the packaging boxes during transit, as well as the storage quality of apples after transportation. Results showed significant variations in load distribution within corrugated partition-based cardboard boxes (CP combination packaging). Conversely, foam holder-based cardboard boxes (FP combination packaging) exhibited CO₂ accumulation. Furthermore, mechanical damage was predominantly localized to the fruit belly. Compared to CP combination packaging box, FP combination packaging box provided more stable shock resistance at lower vibration forces (< 10 N) across transit routes, likely due to its EPS foam design, which restricted fruit movement and absorbed external vibrations. Post-storage analysis showed that damaged apples experienced a 0.16 % increase in mass loss, a 0.83 % rise in soluble solids content (SSC), and a 0.19 MPa reduction in firmness compared to undamaged controls. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing packaging design to minimize transport-induced damage and enhance apple preservation.
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    Plants as an alternative to the use of chemicals for crop protection against biotic threats: trends and future perspectives
    (Springer , 2024-08-02) Aremu, Adeyemi Oladapo; Omogbene, Temitope Olorunyomi; Fadiji, Tobi; Lawal, Ibraheem Oduola; Opara, Umezuruike Linus; Fawole, Olaniyi Amos
    This review entails a critical appraisal on the potential of plants as alternatives to synthetic chemicals for crop protection, aligning with the global shift towards green-based approaches in agriculture. Utilising a defined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 235 papers were extracted from Scopus. These articles were analyzed to address specific research questions related to plant-based biocontrol methods. Approximately 25% of the literature was published in journals such as "Industrial Crops and Products", "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry", "Pest Management Science", and "Frontiers in Microbiology". Thematic analysis identified core focus areas, including the chemical properties of antifungal agents, bioactive compounds, environmental protection, and the use of fungicides. Italy and China emerged as countries with the most represented authors, while China, India, and USA led in scientific production, corresponding authors' publications, and citation impact. We identified 91 plant species from 28 families, notably from the Lamiaceae, with strong potential as biocontrol agents. The most promising plants were Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco, Mentha piperita L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Coriandrum sativum L., and Allium ascalonicium L. This study offers valuable insights and practical applications in the field of plant-based biocontrol, thereby underscoring the relevance and efficacy of green-based approaches in contemporary agricultural practices. There is an increasing scientific interest in sustainable crop protection strategies and the potential of plant-based biocontrol agents in addressing biotic stresses in crops. Overall, this review contributes to the understanding of plant-based biocontrol for crop protection, providing a foundation for further research and application in sustainable agriculture.
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    Preserving freshness: innovations for fresh-eating fruit distribution and damage prevention – A review
    (Elsevier, 2024-07-01) Yu, Jincheng; Wang, Minggang; Li, Zhiguo; Tchuenbou-Magaia, Fideline; Wani, Ali Abas; Zhu, Pengfei; Fadiji, Tobi; Liu, Yande; EU Horizon 2020 MSCA RISE Project ReACTIVE Too, Grant Agreement no. 871163.
    The preservation of fresh-eating fruit within the supply chain is of paramount for maintaining freshness and minimizing resource waste. This article elucidates a comprehensive and integrated approach to fruit loss prevention and preservation techniques which collectively can substantially prolong the shelf life of fresh-eating fruits across various supply chain contexts. Here we show that the proposed solution emphasizes the development of real-time damage monitoring systems, innovative sensors for fruit freshness detection, and predictive methods for quality degradation and estimating shelf life. Additionally, we advocate for fundamental research to support the creation of smart, lightweight, sustainable, shockproof packaging systems. These packaging systems aim to utilize recyclable and biodegradable materials, contributing to environmental sustainability. In conclusion, this study establishes a scientific foundation for innovative solutions in the preservation and damage avoidance of fresh-eating fruits within the supply chain. By considering diverse factors and proposing a holistic approach, we anticipate substantial advancements in preserving the freshness of fruits.
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    Technological advancements in food processing and packaging [Editorial]
    (MDPI, 2023-08-28) Fadiji, Tobi; Pathare, Pankaj B.
    The global challenge of providing sufficient, safe, and sustainable food to a growing population requires continuous food processing and packaging technology advancements. With the world’s population projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, addressing the increasing demand for food production and agricultural productivity is more critical than ever. To bridge this gap and ensure food security, exploring innovative approaches that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of food processing and packaging is essential. These advancements not only play a crucial role in maintaining food safety and quality but also contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing food waste, optimizing resource utilisation, and preserving the nutritional value of food. By continually pushing the boundaries of technology and exploring novel techniques, we can meet the challenges of feeding a growing population while safeguarding the environment and ensuring the long-term availability of safe and nutritious food. This Special Issue brings together a collection of research papers highlighting the latest developments and applications in food processing and packaging, aiming to ensure food safety, extend shelf life, and preserve nutritional value. The diverse range of topics covered in this issue demonstrates the multidisciplinary nature of this field and the need for innovative solutions to meet the future demands of the food industry. The issue consists of three sections, focusing on innovative packaging solutions for food quality and safety [1,2,3], enhancing food safety and quality [4,5,6], and mechanical innovations in food processing [7]. As Guest Editors of this Special Issue, we would like to thank the authors for their valuable contributions and the Editorial Staff of Processes for their professional support during the publication process. We believe that this compilation will prove instrumental in enhancing postharvest technology, a pivotal element of ensuring global food security.