AE500S-H
The aim of a homogeniser is to break down and disperse various substances into smaller and more uniform particles to create a homogeneous mixture, which helps to achieve consistent, smooth and stable products.
Enhancing food safety, reducing food waste, and promoting food innovation are crucial priorities for the development of the food sector. This will also benefit consumers by ensuring the availability of safe and nutritious food but also have positive impacts on the sustainability of the economy. Food safety is critical to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses and ensure the quality of food products. Food waste is a major global issue that affects food security and the environment. Innovation in the food industry is crucial for meeting evolving consumer preferences and addressing sustainability challenges. Thus investing in capacity building at all levels, research and development, fostering a culture of sustainable practices and innovation can drive positive changes in food safety, food waste reduction and innovation.
L. Beeharee, Assoc Prof D. Goburdhun, Assoc Prof A. Ruggoo, Dr D. Ramful Baboolall,
Dr R Brizmohun Gopaul (not in picture)
Food and nutrition security is interlinked with research, development and training in food safety, food waste, food preservation and food innovation. A dedicated and properly-equipped Food Technology laboratory has a primordial role to play to that effect.
Proper equipment is required for training and research in Food Science and Technology to produce food science graduates and food entrepreneurs who play an essential role to ensure the food and nutrition security of any country. The Faculty of Agriculture in Mauritius plans to upgrade its Food Technology laboratory to address the challenges and opportunities in the food industry. The lack of equipment has hindered teaching, research, and training activities. The Faculty will mount courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level for capacity building in Food Science and Technology and an MSc in the field of Food Science and Technology will be developed in line with the vision of the University of Mauritius to become an entrepreneurial university.
The food science laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture will also be linked to the AgriTECH Park by providing the necessary infrastructure for the development, testing and quality control of innovative food products for validation by the forthcoming agro-processing incubator of the Agri-Tech Park and commercialisation by food enterprises.
AE500S-H
The aim of a homogeniser is to break down and disperse various substances into smaller and more uniform particles to create a homogeneous mixture, which helps to achieve consistent, smooth and stable products.
Lamy Rheology
The viscometer is designed to determine the viscosity by measuring the flow properties of the fluid sample under specific conditions. (Viscosity: property which describes a sample’s resistance to flow).
Radwag
Electronic balance is used to accurately and precisely measure the mass or weight of an object. It is a highly sensitive and reliable instrument in the laboratory setting.
Ohaus MB90
The moisture analyser helps to accurately and rapidly determine the moisture content of samples, it uses infra-red radiation to measure amount of moisture present in the sample based on its interaction with the infra-red light.
Biobase
The Kjeldahl analyser is used to determine the nitrogen content of inorganic and inorganic sample, it helps to perform the Kjeldahl method in a more automated and efficient manner.
SS-10H
The food dehydrator is used to remove moisture from various food items, thereby preserving them significantly by increasing their shelf life. It is designed to efficiently and gently dry food products such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat among others.
Ariston Oven
Oven provides a controlled and even heating environment for cooking, baking, dehydration and other food preparation method.
LG ThinQ
The refrigerator is used to provide a cooling environment to store and preserve food, beverages and other perishable items. It helps in maintaining freshness, taste and nutritive value of food items as well as aid in food safety by keeping food at temperatures that discourages growth of harmful micro-organisms.
Robot Coupe
The hand-held blender is used to blend and mix various ingredients quickly and efficiently.
Sherwood Chloride analyser 926
Designed for the determination of chloride ions, the chloride analyser is for water quality monitoring, food quality control and to study various chemical and environmental processes.
Cole- Parmer
The hot plate with stirrer is used to provide both controlled and consistent heating and agitation capabilities for liquids, solutions and other sample during experiments.
Waring commercial
The waring blender is used to facilitate efficient and consistent blending, mixing and homogenisation of samples.
Testo
The data logger is used to collect, record and store data from various sensors and instrument continuously and accurately over time. It is designed to automate data collection, making them valuable tool to monitor and record environmental parameters and conditions.
Nuve ST30
By achieving the desired temperature with accuracy and stability, a water bath allows study of temperature-dependent processes, and provides a controlled environment for the safe handling of temperature-sensitive samples. Specific aim of the water bath include: Temperature control, incubation, and sterilisation.
A compilation of 45 recipes by 14 passionate individuals to valorise leftover foods and imperfect fruits and vegetables, has been made by the team. It will be launched on the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste-29 September and will be made available, free of charge to everyone.
A series of workshops, awareness sessions and training sessions was organised in collaboration with different stakeholders by the team over the last two years. The audience were householders, potential entrepreneurs, consumers and students. A media campaign through impactful messages on digital signage, will be launched from 25-29 September in 23 retail outlets throughout the island to reach a maximum number of individuals.
Workshop at Bois Pignolet Community Center (63 participants) and at Morcellement St Andre Khoyratty Community Center (50 Participants) in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund and F.A.L.C.O.N
Workshop at Mapou in collaboration with the Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund and F.A.L.C.O.N
Webinar on the occasion of the international day of awareness of food loss and food waste
Online Focus group with Stakeholders on 'Enhancing Food Safety, Food waste reduction and food innovation'
Webinar on ' Food Waste Reduction and Recovery' for Students in Rodrigues
Workshop on "Food Waste Reduction; it is our responsibility' with Mauritius Revenue Authority Staff
Campaign on " Together, We can Fight Food Waste at St Nicholas Grammar School"
Workshop on the 'Valorisation of Food Waste' with women entrepreneur
Celebrating International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Food Waste Reduction
Train the Trainers Workshop with 18 Home economies instructors and officers on " food waste reduction at household level"
Purchase laboratory equipment required for teaching, research and development in processing, quality control and preservation of food products;
Develop a post-graduate degree in Food Science and Technology with Entrepreneurship.
To conduct a study on food waste generated by relevant stakeholders in the food sector;3.2.2 To develop valorised products from food waste/surplus food;
To organise awareness campaigns for reducing food loss and food waste with different stakeholders.