LAHORE: The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) and Nestlé Pakistan signed an MoU to jointly undertake Food Safety research programmes.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and Head of Technical for Nestlé Pakistan Naveed Ahmad Khan and other officials from both sides signed the MoU under which a research study will be conducted on “Assessment of Aflatoxin Control Measures on Performance of Dairy Animals in Punjab.”  The Nestlé will support the university in the study which will examine the effects of mycotoxins on the health and milk yielding capacity of animals and how mycotoxin levels in milk can be reduced.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said, “I appreciate the continuous efforts and financial support of Nestlé for student scholarships, internships, applied research and other areas. I am happy that Nestlé and UVAS are joining hands for another project that will help the country move towards a safe milk value chain."

Head of Technical for Nestlé Pakistan Naveed Ahmad Khan said, “We are committed to sharing knowledge on Food Safety with anyone who needs it to facilitate delivering safe products to all. He said, “Our approach to food safety covers the entire value chain, from farm to fork.” He said his company is driving an extensive campaign for awareness of good feeding practices among farmers and cattle feed manufactures.

Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha will be the Project Principal Investigator while Dr Muhammad Nasir from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition will be the Co-Principal Investigator.

Mycotoxins are harmful toxins produced in cattle feed by species of fungi as a result of improper storage and handling. Animals that consume such feed become sick, unproductive and also experience reduction in fertility. The toxin is also passed on into the milk that these animals produce and cannot be removed.