Strengthening of the Italian Research Infrastructure for Metrology and Open Access Data in support to the Agrifood
METROFOOD-IT tests technology for traceability of Italian rice
Ensuring the Origin and Quality of Italian Rice Through Rapid, Precise, and Non-Destructive Field Analyses. This is one of the results achieved by METROFOOD-IT infrastructure, funded by the PNRR, aiming to provide new tools for the benefit of producers and consumers.
“For this study, we analyzed ten samples of Carnaroli rice from ten different Italian locations[1], grown using various methodologies. The results we obtained demonstrate that the techniques applied in the field are an effective tool for identifying types of rice within the same variety and are potentially useful for determining the cultivation area and methods,” explains Claudia Zoani, coordinator of METROFOOD-IT, researcher at ENEA’s Sustainable Agri-Food Systems Division and co-author of the study, along with colleagues from the ENEA Laboratory of Diagnostics and Metrology, coordinated by researcher Antonia Lai.
Using a particular analysis technique, METROFOOD-IT researchers obtained detailed molecular information for each grain[2], effectively creating a sort of "identity card" by collecting 45 light spectra[3] for each sample. These spectra are equivalent to "photographs" of the grains’ chemical composition. The data acquired were processed using advanced statistical methods, allowing the differentiation of samples into two main groups based on the seeding methodology (buried or in water). Although these groups showed some overlap, the model clearly demonstrated its ability to detect differences in cultivation methods through subtle chemical variations.
Rice cultivation in Italy is primarily concentrated in Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and Emilia, largely following the course of the Po River. The quality of this cereal is significantly influenced by the geographical cultivation area, thanks to the unique characteristics of the natural environment, including soil and water quality. In Italy, rice undergoes strict supply chain control to ensure and certify its origin.
Among the various technologies available for these purposes is Raman spectroscopy, which METROFOOD-IT researchers used in this study. This cutting-edge technique utilizes the interaction between light and molecules to identify chemical composition, distinguish similar materials, and even trace the origin and production methods through non-destructive analyses. Another advantage of this technology is its ability to perform rapid analyses without requiring special manipulation or pre-treatment of the samples, providing remarkable spectral resolution (3 cm⁻¹). Because of these characteristics, Raman spectroscopy is employed in many fields, including the chemical industry, medicine, and cultural heritage, as well as in the food sector for applications such as authenticity, quality, and traceability analysis.
“The results we obtained encourage us to continue with further classifications of rice based on different aspects, such as type, cultivation area, soil management, and fertilization. These studies significantly enhance the reputation of Italian rice, highlighting its value globally and paving the way for similar technologies to be used in the traceability and quality control of other agricultural supply chains,” concludes Claudia Zoani.
Note
[1] Crescentino (Vercelli), Bigarello (Mantova), Bovolone (Verona), Gaggiano (Milan), San Giuliano Milanese (Milan), San Zenone Po (Pavia), Castello d’Agogna (Pavia), Granozzo Monticello (Novara), Jolanda di Savoia (Ferrara) e Porto Viro (Rovigo).
[2] Five analysis points were chosen on each grain, with three repetitions for each point, in order to verify the accuracy of the spectral results. A total of 45 Raman spectra were collected for each sample.
[3] The spectral peaks identified, e.g. at the wavelengths of 478 cm-¹, 865 cm-¹ and 934 cm-¹, are associated, according to the literature, with the main molecular components of rice such as starch, proteins and fatty acids.