India, March 20 -- Researchers from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have developed an Internet of Things-enabled smart device to monitor the quality of ingredients in processed food.

The colourimeter, developed in partnership with teams from the University of the Philippines Los Banos, Philippines, tracks colour and temperature changes in real-time, making it especially useful for studying oleo gels -- fat alternatives used in processed foods.

Many processed foods rely on solid fats for texture and stability, but these often contain unhealthy trans and saturated fats, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and obesity.

To address this, the food industry has been exploring oleo gels, which convert liquid oi...