Spectroscopic Technique: Fourier Transform (FT) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) and Microscopy (NIRM)

Abstract Correct and defensible labeling is of prime importance for the consumer and the producer of authentic food products. For the consumer, labeling and its control are essential in terms of the identification of the food product. He or she may pay more in order to get a food product with well-defined attributes, such as species or geographic origin, or more subjective features, like products labeled home-made, organic or/and fair trade. Food products are not only valued for their appearance, taste or nutritional value (whatever their major and minor compound composition) but also for their tremendous symbolic power. For the producer, labeling and its control are crucial in terms of economic strategy. Indeed, producers selling food with specific quality attributes invest more in the production of their food products as they expect a substantial return. This return could be obtained by charging a higher price and/or the development of a loyal customer base.