Project title: In Situ Detection of Olive Oil Adulteration Using Raman Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Algorithms 

Acronym: RAIDO 

Scientific field: Technological processes 

Contract no: 5BMTR/2025 

Program  5.8 – European and International Cooperation Program, 5.8.3 Bilateral/Multilateral Sub-Program 
Romania-Turkey mobility projects 

Contracting Authority: Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation (UEFISCDI), Romania 

Partners: 

Romanian Partner
National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Subsidiary Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation (ICIA) Cluj Napoca, Romania
67 Donath Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400293
Phone: +40-264-420590
Fax: +40-264-420667
Email: icia@icia.ro  

Project responsible
Dr. Lacrimioara SENILA
E-mail: lacri.senila@icia.ro;  icia@icia.ro 

Turkey Partner 

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Olive Research Institute (ORI)
Str. Universite Caddeil, nr. 43, Izmir, 35100, Turcia 

Project responsible: Dr. Didar SEVIM
E-mail: dcengeler@gmail.com, https://arastirma.tarimorman.gov.tr/ 

Abstract 

Adulteration of olive oil is a major problem in the food industry, affecting both product quality and consumer confidence. The aim of this bilateral project is to develop in situ Raman spectroscopy methods for the detection of adulteration in olive oil and, to develop machine learning algorithms for the interpretation of spectroscopic data and the identification of adulteration. It is also proposed to develop a prototype integrating Raman spectroscopy and the developed machine learning algorithms. The Romanian partner has extensive experience in food quality analysis and the application of in situ Raman spectroscopy, while the Turkish partner has rich experience in the olive oil industry, from genetics and plant biology to processing technologies and quality standards. The complementarity of the two research teams will lead to the development of new Raman spectroscopy methods for the rapid and accurate identification of impurities and unauthorized substituents in olive oil. 

Project objective 

The major objective of the RAIDO project is to develop an innovative in situ olive oil adulteration detection system using Raman spectroscopy in combination with advanced machine learning algorithms. 

Estimated results 

  • Optimization of the Raman analysis method for the efficient detection of adulterants in olive oil.  
  • Development and training of machine learning models for the analysis of Raman spectral data to accurately determine the presence of adulterants.  
  • Test the prototype process under real conditions and refine it based on the feedback received.  
  • Results dissemination (articles, communications). 

Project Duration: 01.04.2025 – 31.12.2026 

Stage 1. In situ Raman spectroscopy method development for olive oil analysis (2025) 

  • A1.1. Development and calibration of Raman spectroscopy parameters for the specific detection of adulteration in olive oil. Visit of the Turkish team to the Romanian partner. 
  • A1.2 Test and optimize the measurement conditions to maximize the sensitivity and specificity of the method. Visit of the Romanian team to the Turkish partner. 
  • A1.3 Create a database of Raman spectra for both authentic and adulterated olive oils. 
  • A1.4 Dissemination of results 

Other informations:  

Contact: Dr. Lacrimioara Senila, Email:lacri.senila@icia.ro