Investigating the potential of Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for detecting camel’s milk adulteration

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics as an alternative to sensory analysis for detecting camel’s milk adulteration with cow’s milk. A paired comparison test involving various concentrations of adulterants was initially conducted to assess consumers’ ability to detect such adulteration. The analysis successfully classified samples into adulterated and authentic camel’s milk using principal component (PC) analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Moreover, the application of partial least squares regression and PC regression calibration models demonstrated high-performance capabilities in revealing the level of adulteration. These findings highlight the potential of MIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for the authentication of camel’s milk.