An important requirement in the grain industry is to obtain fast information on the quality of purchased and stored grain. Therefore, it is of great importance to search for innovative solutions aimed at the monitoring and fast assessment of quality parameters of stored wheat The results of the evaluation of total protein, water and gluten content by means of near infrared spectrometry are presented in the paper. Multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) and neural modeling were used to analyze the obtained results. The results obtained show no significant changes in total protein (13.13 ± 0.15), water (10.63 ± 0.16) or gluten (30.56 ± 0.54) content during storage. On the basis of the collected data, a model artificial neural network (ANN) MLP 52-6-3 was created, which, with the use of four independent features, allows us to determine changes in the content of water, protein and gluten in stored wheat. The chosen network returned good error values: learning, below 0.001; testing, 0.015; and validation, 0.008. The obtained results and their interpretation are an important element in the warehouse industry. The information obtained in this way about the state of the quality of stored grain will allow for a fast reaction in case of the threat of lowering the quality parameters of the stored grain.

The paper presents the method of using vision techniques and artificial neural networks to assess the degree of contamination of cereal during grain reception. The aim of the work is to optimize the management of the contaminant evaluation process of grain mass in warehouse and during purchase using vision techniques based on computer image analysis in order to expedite laboratory work. The obtained photographs of wheat seed samples were analyzed using the “Agropol V06” computer application and neural analysis of the obtained empirical results was performed. The application of computer image analysis reduced the time necessary for the quality assessment of the examined material compared to traditional methods. The generated models were characterized by good parameters and high quality, obtaining a high R² coefficient at the level of 0.999. As part of the investment project, savings resulting from the time of goods receipt and further production process were made. Profitability was estimated at 191.43% per day. The analysis was made without taking into account other costs related to the business activity. The straight payback period is 3 years.

International trade in herbs and spices is showing steady growth. This may contribute to the deterioration of their quality (complex supply chains) and the search for alternative, cheaper sources (adulteration). This paper presents the results of quality control of culinary herbs available on the European markets. Eight spices were evaluated: savory, lovage, basil, thyme, marjoram, oregano, fennel, mustard. The tests were performed (from January 2022 till January 2023) for three production batches from five different suppliers, and analyzed such parameters as aroma, overall appearance, impurity content, net weight, moisture content, ash content and essential oils. The analyzed parameters are the basic quality characteristics controlled by institutions overseeing the quality of foodstuffs. The determinations were made on the basis of European standards. The results show deviations from the standards especially in the content of essential oils. Slight exceedances of the standards were also recorded for water and total ash content. On the other hand, for such parameters as net weight, impurity content, general appearance or odor, no overstepping of acceptable standards was recorded.

Global trade in olive oil is on the rise. The growing interest in olive oil among consumers, who are increasingly incorporating it into their daily diet due to its health and nutritional benefits may result in lower-quality olive oil appearing on the retail market. The paper presents the results of tests conducted in 2021-2023 (Q3 2021, Q4 2022 and 2023) by the laboratories of the Main Inspectorate JHARS in Gdynia, Olsztyn and Poznań. The batches included in the scope of the tests came from all over the country. A total of 164 batches were subjected to laboratory tests (including 152 batches declared as the highest category, i.e. extra virgin olive oil). Olive oil samples were taken during IJHARS inspections at retail outlets, as well as at entities importing, exporting, bottling, storing and wholesaling olive oil. The purpose of the tests was to verify the compliance of the category of olive oil indicated by the producer with the category available on the domestic market. The analysis included tests of physico-chemical and organoleptic parameters for compliance with applicable regulations and the manufacturer’s declaration. The results obtained indicated that in most cases the declaration of olive oil quality on the product labeling did not comply with regulations. The quality of olive oil was lower (by 1 or 2 categories) in 67% of the products tested in 2021, 58.5% in 2022, and 76.5% in 2023.