Multivariate Statistical Analysis: a Strategic Tool for Quality and Processes Control in Food Industry

The use of multivariate statistical techniques for quality and process control in the food industry has been growing significantly since the mid-seventies, as a result of the informatics revolution which facilitated the analysis of large data sets. Unlike univariate methods of data exploration, multivariate statistics uses as a major pillar the analysis of information described by three or more variables that can be simultaneously studied and understood in a fast, efficient and easy way. Thanks to the extraordinary advance in computing machines, it is now possible to apply these methodologies to solve extremely complex problems. This article presents the most recognized multivariate statistical techniques, as well as the compilation of some papers that serve as a demonstration of its applicability in the field of foods.