FAISALABAD - Scientists from the National Institute of Food Science & Technology, (NIFSAT) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) have started innovative Edible Coating technology under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pak-US joint project to extend the shelf life of different fruits by using various types of edible based coating materials.
This was revealed by Principal Investigator of the Project Dr Masood Sadiq Butt while briefing the food scientists regarding the breakthrough here the other day. While giving details of the project, he said "the core objective of the project is to curtail the post-harvest losses and improve nutritional attributes of various fruits."
Dr Butt maintained that the process of edible films involves the development of the edible based coating materials and their application on the fruits by dipping and spraying etc. "These coatings act as a barrier towards the weight loss due to evaporation of water and protects from other environmental factors detrimental to the fruits," he added. Dr Masood Sadiq told the food scientists that different kinds of coating materials are being used including chitosan, whey protein, starch, alginate and soy protein based edible compounds for the purpose. He said research is being conducted on different kinds of fruits like apple, mango, apricot and strawberry coated with different coatings.
It is worth mentioning that most of the fruits are perishable commodities and spoiled due to different environmental factors. So in order to enhance their shelf life, different techniques are used. The application of edible coatings on the surface of fresh fruits is an efficient tool for enhancing the shelf life. A research team is engaged under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Masood Sadiq Butt to extend the shelf life of different fruits using various types of edible based coating materials. He hoped that Shelf life enhancement using edible coatings will pave a way for farmers/exporters to export the fruits and earn a valuable profit for the country.
Motorcyclist robbed of cash, valuables: Three dacoits snatched cash and other valuables from a motorcyclist on Toba-Khikha Road here the other day
According to details, Nadeem Ramzan of Chak 321/GB told the City Police that he was on the way to Toba from his village when he reached near Chak 297/GB,three dacoits intercepted him and snatched his cellphone, cash amounting to Rs40,000, and other valuables. The police started investigation into the incident.