Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) - A Methodology to Control Fish Fraud

In recent years, near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has experienced notable advancements, driven by numerous scientific studies that have demonstrated its potential for industrial applications. As a result, the food sector has shown an increasing interest in utilizing NIRS technology. Moreover, recent advancements have facilitated the downsizing and cost reduction of NIR devices, rendering them suitable for on-site determinations. The intricate nature of the fish value chain, coupled with its significant market value, renders this industry particularly susceptible to fraudulent activities and adulteration practices. The perishable nature and lack of traceability of fish and fish products necessitate a fast, reliable, and portable tool for accurately assessing product quality, authenticity, and safety. This review provides an extensive overview of recent research on the application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with various chemometric techniques for assessing quality, authenticity, and safety of fish in various fields. The principles of NIR spectroscopy is also showed as well as recent advances in portable NIR spectrometers that enable new applications in the fish industry. Further research is encouraged to face the challenges of using NIRS technology in commercial applications, so that its full potential can be achieved.