Baidu, a leading Chinese Internet search engine and web services company, turned heads when it unveiled its latest innovation at the Baidu World Technology Conference last Wednesday. Robin Li, Baidu CEO, led a video presentation introducing chopsticks designed to detect contaminated olive oils or oils of substandard quality.
After dipping the chopsticks in olive oil, users can connect them to a smartphone app to obtain readings on the pH level, peroxide value, and temperature of the oil. The chopsticks will give an immediate label ranging from “excellent” to “bad” according to the readings.
Baidu, known as the Chinese Google, decided to manufacture the sensor chopsticks after they promoted a similar product earlier in the year as an April Fool’s joke. The satirical commercial generated surprising interest from consumers and food safety professionals.
Although the “Baidu Kuaisou” have not entered the manufacturing phase of production, industry experts acknowledge the timeliness of such a product given China’s lackluster reputation for food safety and sanitation in recent years.
Zhong Nanshan, who discovered the SARS virus in 2003, told the Yangcheng Evening News in Guangzhou that 7 million to 14 million tons of waste cooking oil was produced in China each year and that about 3.5 million tons of it probably returns to dinner tables through illegal recycling, according to a recent report by the LA Times.
While the enthusiasm for such a product remains high, industry experts remain skeptical saying many unethical companies will learn to manipulate their chemistry to obtain good readings. “Such values can be easily manipulated by the gutter oil producers by adding relevant chemicals to give a false safe reading,” said Nong Shaozhuang, a food safety expert from Dalian Polytechnic University.
Related Articles
Apr. 22, 2024
How Oleuropein Influences Extra Virgin Olive Oil Taste and Health Benefits
Along with oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein is one of the main polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil that determines its sensory characteristics and health benefits.
Apr. 11, 2024
Germany's Consumer Watchdog Warns Olive Oil Quality Is Falling
The warning comes after 17 of 19 samples of labeled extra virgin olive oil were found to be marginal, at best.
Aug. 20, 2024
Leveraging AI to Enhance Olive Oil Quality, Efficiency and Trust
AI has been improving olive farming for a decade, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, traceability, and sustainability. Recent advancements include predictive pricing, pest control, and personalized marketing.
Oct. 7, 2024
Extra Virgin Olive Oil Extract Exceeds Ibuprofen's Anti-Inflammatory Properties
A new method to sustainably draw oleocanthal and oleacein from extra virgin olive oil obtains an extract with powerful antioxidant properties.
Feb. 20, 2024
New Research Rekindles Debate on Nutri-Score’s Effectiveness
The OECD found Nutri-Score could save money on healthcare. Dutch researchers questioned the integrity of studies supporting the labeling system.
Jul. 8, 2024
Bricks Made with Olive Pits Reduce Carbon Footprint of Buildings, Study Finds
A new study has shown that olive pit waste can effectively reduce energy usage in buildings, demonstrating how the circular economy can be applied to the construction sector.
Nov. 27, 2023
Mediterranean Diet Helps Slow Age-Related Physical Decline, Study Finds
New research has shown that following a reduced-calorie Mediterranean diet and increasing physical activity slows age-associated muscle loss and reduces total and visceral fat.
Jan. 3, 2024
Promoting the Role of Women in the Olive Sector
Jill Myers founded the Women in Olive Oil network to connect women across the sector while promoting their voices and highlighting their contributions.