Solving Color Measurement Challenges Of The Food Industry

Hal Good, HunterLab, Reston, VA

It is easy to understand why color is an important attribute to the food industry. We frequently judge food quality based on color. In the marketplace it is rare that consumers are permitted to taste food products prior to purchasing them. However they frequently can look at the product. They make a judgement decision largely based on overall appearance including color. Frequently color and flavor are directly related. However food processors are often limited in their ability to adjust color in the final product. Because of this, they pay strict attention to the color of ingredients and to the changes that occur during each step of production. Color measurement instruments are used to check ingredient color and to evaluate the efficiency of processes in obtaining or maintaining the desired product color.