A mass spectrometry based chemical sensor consisting of a headspace autosampler directly coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer was used in three different food and flavor applications; strawberry flavors, whiskeys and soft drinks. This instrument integrates multivariate data analysis in which the mass spectra of the samples are used as fingerprints. Inconsistencies in raw materials were examined by analyzing flavors. Possible adulteration was studied by analysis of two whiskies. Multivariate models were able to detect whiskeys aged for different periods of time. Differences in similar product lines were studied using four soft drinks. Using this chemsensor differences were observed in one soft drink packaged in aluminum cans and plastic bottles.

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