Browsing by Author "Fajardo, Arthur L."

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    Residual assessment of metal transfer from selected agricultural machinery to processed commodities
    (Philippine Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, 2025-06) Nanali, Mark Romy E.; Fajardo, Arthur L.; Zubia, Omar F.; Gallegos, Ralph Kristoffer B.; Bawar, Rina A.
    Stainless steel, particularly grades such as AISI 304SS and 316SS, is extensively used in food processing due to its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning, which are essential for maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. However, the verification of food-grade materials has rarely been evaluated. This study investigated the potential transfer of metal residues from food-grade machines specifically a calamansi juice extractor, and coffee grinder to processed agricultural products such as calamansi juice, and coffee. An X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer was used to determine the metal composition of the processing equipment. Levels of iron (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, AAS) and lead (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy, ICP-OES) in the processed products were determined. The results showed minimal presence of impurities. Levels of iron and lead in the final products remained below international safety standards, suggesting minimal contribution of processing equipment to metal residue content. By providing empirical data on the material composition of commonly used food-processing equipment, this research contributes to improving regulatory frameworks and guiding manufacturers in selecting appropriate materials. These findings support the development of safer, high-quality food-processing equipment, thereby enhancing food safety practices in the Philippine agricultural sector.
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    XRF spectroscopic characterization of foodgrade metals in a multi-crop pulverizer
    (Discover Materials, 2025-10-03) Nanali, Mark Romy E.; Fajardo, Arthur L.; Zubia, Omar F.
    Ensuring the safety and quality of food-processing equipment is essential for preventing contamination and safeguarding food integrity. In food-contact applications, materials must adhere to rigorous health and safety standards to minimize the risk of chemical leaching and microbial growth. Despite the increasing use of agricultural food-processing machinery in the Philippines, limited data exist regarding the material composition of these machines, particularly those in direct contact with food such as multi-crop pulverizers. This study introduces a non-destructive analytical approach using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to characterize the elemental composition of food-contact components in commonly used equipment. The analysis confirmed that key components including the input hopper, pulverizing chamber, and output chute are primarily composed of AISI 304 stainless steel, while the blade was identified as AISI 303 stainless steel. Measured concentrations showed Iron (Fe) ranging from 64 to 70%, Chromium (Cr) between 17.6% and 18.1%, and Nickel (Ni) around 8%. However, Silicon content in some parts exceeded the standard threshold of 1.0%, reaching up to 1.37%, while Phosphorus exceeded the 0.045% limit in one component. Despite these minor deviations, the materials remain functionally aligned with international food safety standards and pose no immediate risk to food safety based on established literature. The findings highlight the need for routine material evaluation to ensure continued compliance. This research contributes empirical data to support regulatory development and enhance manufacturing practices for safer food-processing equipment in the Philippine agricultural sector.