Cleaning and sanitation in food processing facilities is a critical step in reducing the risk of transfer of
pathogenic organisms to food consumed by the public. Current methods to check the effectiveness of sanitation
procedures rely on visual observation and sub-sampling tests such as ATP bioluminescence assays
and culturing methods. To augment existing verification methods, a hand-held visible hyperspectral
imaging device was developed. The device is capable of acquiring reflectance images using ambient lighting,
and fluorescence responses to supplemental violet (405 nm) excitation. To enhance the ability of
detecting relatively low intensity fluorescence responses in the presence of ambient lighting, the device
includes the ability to identify wavebands where the intensity of ambient lighting is relatively low. Valleys
in ambient illumination intensity when using fluorescent lighting were found at around 475, 520,
570, and 675 nm. A principal goal is to acquire data to support development of a commercially-viable,hand-held, imaging system.