Jakarta, INTI - For many Muslims, ensuring whether food ingredients are halal or non-halal remains an important concern. When traveling abroad, especially to countries with predominantly non-Muslim populations, uncertainty often arises regarding the safety and composition of food products being consumed.
Portable Halal Detection Technology Developed by ITS Researchers
Addressing this concern, a research team from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has developed an innovative portable and affordable strip test kit capable of detecting pork oil content in food products. The research is led by Ruri Agung Wahyuono together with several researchers from the ITS Halal Research Center, including Agus Muhamad Hatta.
Thanks to this innovation, pork oil detection can be performed without relying on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methods or electrochemical detection technology. Ruri explained that the device was designed similarly to practical pH test strips used for water testing. Instead of requiring complex laboratory analysis, the tool utilizes color-changing nano-material technology.
Together with his team, Ruri conducted experiments to develop reagent formulas that are highly sensitive to pork oil content in food products. The innovation applies an optical-based detection technique using color-change optical signals.
“There will be a color change in the reagent caused by a chemical reaction with the targeted oil content,” Ruri explained.
Future Development Targets Allergy Detection and Mass Production
Moving forward, Ruri and his team plan to further develop the technology. Beyond detecting pork oil, the researchers aim for the device to also identify various allergy-triggering substances.
“It will not only focus on halal and non-halal detection. We also plan to develop detection methods for other allergy-triggering ingredients using the same colorimetric approach, although the reagent and catalyst formulations will differ,” said the lecturer from the ITS Department of Engineering Physics.
With the convenience offered by the device, Ruri hopes Muslim travelers and individuals with allergies will have greater control in ensuring the safety of their food consumption anywhere. The innovation is also expected to help the public safely enjoy culinary products from MSMEs.
Furthermore, Ruri is committed to independently producing both the materials and the detection device to support the entrepreneurial university ecosystem while reducing dependence on imported resources. Once commercially distributed, the pork oil detection strips are estimated to cost around Rp10,000 per strip for a single-use test.
“The selling price could become even lower if the product is manufactured on a larger scale,” he stated.
The innovation developed by Ruri and his team also contributes to several United Nations (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4 on Quality Education, and Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Conclusion
The portable pork oil detection strip developed by ITS researchers offers a practical and affordable solution for ensuring food safety and halal assurance. Beyond supporting Muslim consumers, the innovation also has the potential to expand into allergy detection technology while strengthening local research, innovation, and independent technology production in Indonesia.
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