W.M.F. Jongen

A review of Maillard reaction in food and implications to kinetic modelling

This paper reviews some of the research designed to lead to an increased understanding of the chemistry of the Maillard reaction, based on recent developments, and its influence on food properties like colour, flavour and nutritional value. A critical analysis is given on how quality attributes associated with Maillard reaction can be predicted and controlled by kinetic modelling. Multiresponse modelling (taking more than one reactant and product into consideration in the modelling process) is a powerful tool to model complicated consecutive and parallel reactions, like the Maillard reaction. Such a multiresponse approach provides a major guidance in understanding the reaction mechanism. An illustrative example is given.

Quality function deployment in the food industry: a review

This paper presents a detailed literature review on the topic of the application of quality function deployment (QFD) in the food industry. This review is extended with a thorough description of the methodologies involved in the practice of QFD within food companies, exemplified with the help of a case study on ketchup quality improvement. The benefits, drawbacks and challenges of QFDs application in food Research and Development (R&D) are presented and discussed.

Predictive modelling of health aspects in the food production chain: a case study on glucosinolates in cabbage

Abstract In this paper, it is demonstrated that many steps in the food production chain of vegetable products can have large influence on the final intake of health protective phytochemicals. The wide variations in levels at each step in the production chain makes an experimental quantification of the dietary intake of phytochemical extremely difficult. We present a concept for predictive modelling of the effects of various processes in the production chain of vegetable products on the intake of phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This approach is intended to be used for the developments of tools to facilitate both product and process development for health products as well as epidemiological input data for bioactive substances in the diet. Protective glucosinolates present in Brassica vegetables are used to illustrate the value of such a predictive model. The described model provides a powerful tool for handling the variation of glucosinolate levels throughout the chain in a quantitative way. Product development, consumer advice and human intervention trials are important areas that could benefit enormously from this approach.

Consumer-oriented functional food development: how well do functional disciplines reflect the ‘voice of the consumer’?

Food innovation can have its source in either superior understanding of consumer demand (pull) or in superiority at the supply side (science and technology push). However, in either case market success depends on the degree to which the new product reflects unmet consumer needs. The present study provides a framework, which allows to obtain relevant consumer and expert input in the early stages of functional food development. By systematically generating and rigorously screening a large set of functional food concepts both inside (functional food experts) and outside (consumers) the company, the framework prevents that high potential opportunities are overlooked. This in turn provides a platform for product developers to discuss and decide upon which opportunities to pursue. The illustration of the framework shows the extent to which expert judgements are an accurate reflection of consumer demand.

A consumer-oriented classification system for home meal replacements

Abstract This paper introduces a new definition and classification system for home meal replacements (HMR), based on convenience attributes as viewed by consumers. An overview of other food classifications, focusing on methodological aspects, is also presented. The classifying criteria chosen (shelf-life and required preparation) and their organisation in a 4×4 matrix structure demonstrated to provide a sound and effective way of classifying HMR. A qualitative analysis of HMR consumption in The Netherlands was performed by application of the developed system. Results showed that the use of a narrow range of HMR is characteristic of Dutch food consumption. The classification system is expected to provide valuable support for consumer-oriented product and process development.

Predictive modelling of migration from packaging materials into food products for regulatory purposes

Migration of low-molecular weight compounds is one of the most important problems of packaging plastics and other plastics intended to come into contact with food products. Since migration experiments are time consuming and expensive, predictive modelling has been introduced as a promising alternative. The main objective of this article is to review current knowledge on migration modelling and highlight the consequences of using modelling for regulatory purposes.

Quality Function Deployment (QFD)-can it be used to develop food products?

Publications on the use of Quality Function Deployment (QFD) for the development of food products state that the method is potentially a useful tool. The use of QFD would enlarge the chance of success, produce higher quality products and decrease the cost and the development time. However, a scrutinous evaluation of the available literature dealing with the use of QFD for food product development reveals that the number of examples of QFD used on the actual development or improvement of food products is limited. Combined with our own experiences we conclude that application of QFD in the food industry is more complicated than current literature suggests. However, QFD might prove useful if adaptations to the method are made and the specific characteristics of food ingredients taken into account.

Exploring the use of consumer collages in product design

This paper presents the development, application and evaluation of a method for need identification in food product design, which combines the use of collage techniques and focus groups. Recent findings in neurobiology and psychology have considerable relevance for methodological improvement in consumer research. Based on these findings, a collage and focus group study aiming to identify feelings, emotions and experiences of consumers towards Home Meal Replacements, as well as relevant product attributes, is developed and performed. Its effectiveness is compared with that of (strictly) verbo-centric research previously carried out. Trends in image-based consumer research for product design are discussed.

Evaluation of Performance Measurement Instruments on Their Use for Food Quality Systems

Due to regular challenges of food safety, consumers put high demands on the performance of food quality systems. To deal with these requirements, food manufacturers need effective quality management. Performance of food quality systems can be partly realized by quality assurance systems, such as HACCP (hazard analysis and critical control point), ISO (international organization for standardization), and BRC (british retail consortium). However, it is still unknown to what extent these systems factually contribute to the realization of quality in the wider sense. Therefore, an instrument is needed that measures the effectiveness of quality systems. This article describes the evaluation of instruments on their suitability for the development of a diagnostic instrument that measures the effectiveness of food quality systems. For this evaluation, perspectives of quality, typical characteristics of agrifood production, quantification, and performance measurement of quality management were studied. Instruments that measure the performance of both quality management and production quality were identified and evaluated on the basis of the defined criteria. The criteria for the performance of production quality were 6 quality dimensions, i.e., product quality, availability, costs, flexibility, reliability, and service. The criteria for performance of quality management were analyses of the relationships between quality management, context of the organization, and production quality, a normative procedure, validation, applicability, classification, and a process approach. Finally, for the final instrument, the evaluation resulted in an integrated approach i.e., a technomanagerial approach, and 3 suitable instruments i.e., Wageningen Management Approach, Extended Quality Triangle, and the quality concept of Noori and Radford.

Flavonoids as bioactive components in apple products.

This research focuses on determining the concentration and antioxidant activity of flavonoids in apples and apple products as a function of storage and processing. The results will be used to optimise apple products with respect to both flavonoid content and antioxidant activity.