USDA evaluates zNose for detecting contraband food products

Published 17 July 2007

The current inspection systems for contraband food products has come under criticism; USDA augments inspection by testing zNose

Good news for Newbury Park, California-based Electronic Sensor Technology (OTCBB: ESNR), developer of the zNose vapor analyzers: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now testing the zNose for its suitability for use to detect contraband meat products and vegetation. Currently, USDA randomly inspects incoming packages and mail at ports of entry for contraband food products. The zNose will allow USDA to be more comprehensive in its inspection as well as improving the efficiency of the process.

The zNose is based on gas chromatography technology. The system contains a library of retention time indices for over 700 volatile organics which enables it to identify specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The zNose is popular in law enforcement and environmental protection agencies, and several environmental agencies in China are now relying on the zNose to monitor water contamination in rivers and lakes.