Colorimetric Sensors for Halal Food Authentication: Detecting Non-Halal Meat and Alcohol

Colorimetric sensors offer rapid, low-cost, and on-site halal food verification by visibly detecting non-halal meat adulterants (e.g., porcine derivatives) and ethanol. Unlike laboratory methods (PCR, HPLC, GC‑MS), colorimetric assays-using antibody‑ or DNA‑based formats, paper‑based devices, and smartphone integration-provide easy readouts with limits of detection in the ppb-ppm range and assay times of less than an hour. Advanced approaches employ chemometric or deep learning analysis of color patterns for broad adulterant profiling. Despite challenges in selectivity, reproducibility, and data standardization, emerging AI‑driven platforms and unified datasets promise portable multi‑analyte systems. Overall, colorimetric sensing has the potential to transform halal assurance by making it more accessible, transparent, and scalable.