A team from the University of St Andrews and Adelaide University has unveiled an optical method that can detect methanol in alcoholic spirits without breaking the seal. The technique, described in the Journal of Physics: Photonics, addresses a long-standing challenge in food safety testing.
Counterfeit alcohol tainted with methanol causes thousands of deaths annually, particularly in regions with poor regulatory oversight. Current detection methods require opening bottles, which risks contamination or fraud. This innovation offers a way to screen products while preserving their integrity.
The approach uses light scattering and absorption patterns to distinguish methanol from ethanol. According to the researchers, the technique can identify dangerous levels of the toxic compound through glass or plastic containers. Specific performance metrics were not provided by the source.
Regulatory agencies and beverage distributors may adopt the method for spot checks at borders or retail points. The developers are exploring commercial partnerships to bring the device to market, though no timeline was disclosed.
While promising, the technique has only been tested in laboratory conditions. Its efficacy with colored bottles, labels, or varying spirit types remains unvalidated outside controlled settings.