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New Technological Solution Allows Consumers to Use Their Smartphones to Detect If Milk Is Still Safe to Drink
Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia have developed an innovative method to check if milk is spoiled without opening the packaging. The technology utilizes the vibration motor and inertial sensors of smartphones to analyze the liquid’s composition and identify signs of deterioration.
Currently, people check the quality of milk based on the expiration date or the smell and taste of the product. However, these methods can be inaccurate. VibMilk, the name given to the system developed by the scientists, allows for non-invasive testing of milk freshness, without exposing the product to external contamination.
How VibMilk Works
VibMilk uses the vibration motor and inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the smartphone to evaluate physical changes in the milk. When milk spoils, changes occur in its density, viscosity, and surface tension. The system captures these variations and processes the data using machine learning algorithms.
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The research team analyzed 23 levels of milk pH and created a model that classifies the freshness of the product with high accuracy. Tests conducted on four common smartphone models indicated an average accuracy of 98.35% in identifying milk pH and 100% accuracy in recognizing fresh milk.
Advantages of the Method
Unlike other spoiled milk detection systems, VibMilk stands out for being accessible and compatible with common packaging. Previous methods required expensive equipment or only worked with transparent containers. With this new technology, anyone will be able to check the state of milk using just a smartphone.
Additionally, expiration dates are not always an accurate indicator of milk freshness. Factors such as improper storage and temperature variations can cause the product to spoil before the stipulated date.
VibMilk can help reduce milk waste, which accounts for up to 20% of total production, by allowing for a more accurate assessment of freshness before disposal.
Benefits for Consumers and the Industry
The ability to test milk before consumption brings more safety to consumers, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the dairy sector can benefit by optimizing distribution logistics and avoiding unnecessary losses.
According to Professor Wen Hu from UNSW, the technology could also be useful for supermarkets and retailers, who will be able to test products before sale. “Doing so prevents consumers from taking home already spoiled milk and reduces losses for merchants,” he explains.
The researchers are now investigating how different types of packaging may influence the vibration signals of VibMilk. The idea is to improve the system to ensure its efficiency across a wider variety of containers.
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