A Wintec science student’s research on testing the effectiveness of using a colorimeter to measure the colour of infant formula powder has been recognised by being published in the International Dairy Journal.
Rehana Ponnal’s work was undertaken while she was on work placement at Fonterra and was for her bachelor project during the final year of her study.
Ponnal says using the colorimeter would not only be more reliable but more efficient as a measurement tool.
“The current process takes longer, as several people’s opinions are required to confirm the colour of a sample. With a colorimeter, you just insert the sample and it gives an instant reading. It’s more reliable and more financially beneficial as there’s less time wasted,” she says.
Fonterra measures colour because it is an important aspect of the product. It was the first thing a customer perceived and would not buy it if it was the wrong colour.
Using a colorimeter also addresses consistency issues that arise out of using more subjective measures like colour charts.
“Using a colour chart relies on people’s perception of colour. The colorimeter on the other hand gives a reading for a certain colour based on the data of that colour – using this method, something is either that colour, or it’s not,” she says.
“There’s no reliance on individual perception, which can be problematic.”
Carotenoid are responsible for giving milk its yellow colour and these pigments are naturally synthesised by plants and algae. Because they are different for different plants, the cow’s diet affected the colour of milk throughout the season.
“Also, the factor that gives white colour to milk is its physical structure, which is associated with the casein and fat formation. That also depends on the feed given,” she says.
Ponnal worked on the research with a number of other scientists, and the journal entry, published in September last year, gives positive results of their findings.
“My research was a preliminary study where we are analysing the accuracy and precision of the colorimeter over the existing methods. So once I finished my study, we came to the conclusion that the colorimeter is more reliable and financially beneficial,” she says.
Ponnal says she was told by Fonterra there will be more studies on other products manufactured by the co-operative, and also will be doing further investigation on her work.
That includes procuring a colorimeter to continue testing.
Fonterra senior research scientist Jackie Wood said Fonterra constantly looked for ways to measure our products in the most reliable and cost-effective way.
“During her internship, Rehana carried out measurements on different infant formulas, milk powders and butter to provide information for these products. She also looked at the cost effectiveness of using the instrument compared to the current way we access colour of our product.
“It’s an important part of what we do so that we can guarantee the safety and quality of our final products in a time efficient and cost-effective way,” she says.
After completing an engineering degree in biomedical science, Ponnal moved to New Zealand in 2017 as an international student to fulfil her passion of studying food science.
Despite her achievements, Ponnal says she was finding it difficult to gain employment.
“It is quite disappointing. It’s hard finding a job. As an international student on a temporary work visa, it’s even harder to find work,” she says.
“I’m looking all over NZ and I am willing to move anywhere. I’m particularly interested in research, product development and technology roles, in the food, dairy and beverage industry.”
