The nose knows: Electric schnoz can smell when your food’s gone bad
A new proof-of-concept device created by UC Berkeley researchers can sniff out gases emitted by harmful bacteria, allergens and other food safety hazards....
News Desk
Staff Writer
Published
Jun 18, 2026
Source
University of California, Berkeley
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AI Insight:This technology has significant implications for food safety and could revolutionize the way we detect spoiled or contaminated food.
A new proof-of-concept device created by UC Berkeley researchers can sniff out gases emitted by harmful bacteria, allergens and other food safety hazards. This innovative device uses an electric nose, essentially a sensor array, to mimic the human sense of smell and identify specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are indicative of spoiled or contaminated food. The researchers used machine learning algorithms to train the device to recognize patterns in the VOCs emitted by various types of bacteria, allergens, and other food safety hazards. The device's ability to detect these hazards could have a significant impact on food safety, particularly in industries where food is frequently handled, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and food processing facilities. By providing an early warning system for food contamination, this technology could help prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health.