01 Jul 2024|Noida | Amity University, Noida
Amity University organizes Five-day Hands-on Workshop on “Edible Films and Coatings for Shelf-Life Extension of Foods"
Amity Institute of Food Technology, Amity University Noida organized DST Sponsored, Five-day Hands-on Workshop on Edible Films and Coatings for Shelf-Life Extension of Foods", from 1st July to 5th July 2024. The workshop was organized with the aim to understand the properties of edible films and coatings, highlight the recent developments in edible films and coatings and to provide hands-on experience in the preparation and application of edible films and coatings on perishable foods.
A total of 25 participants, working in the area of Food Technology, from institutions across India, including Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, Shoolini University Himachal Pradesh, Vignan University Guntur Andhra Pradesh, Anand Agriculture University, Guru Jambeshwar University Haryana, and Delhi University, among others, participated in the Programme.
Addressing the participants, Guest of Honor, Dr Charanjit Singh Riar, Professor, Department of Food Engineering and Technology, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sangrur, Punjab, averred, “Preservation of foods started ever since people learnt to grow crops in the fields. During ancient times, barks of trees or earthen pots were used to preserve grains but gradually, storage and preservation techniques evolved, and glass and plastic containers started being used for preservation of food products. However, excess usage of plastic has led to the deterioration of environment. Therefore, new solutions such as edible coating on food items which can be consumed and are eco-friendly, are very useful for effective preservation of food. Edible films and coatings on several perishable food products including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and dairy products, consist of bioactive substances which extend their shelf-life and are also safe for the environment.”
Sharing her views on the occasion, Dr Shruti Sethi (Food Science & Post Harvest Technology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, said, “The topic of the workshop is very apt and relevant in today’s scenario since there is a need for sustainable edible films and coating to extend the shelf-life of foods. Through this workshop, participants will get hands-on experience also apart from theoretical knowledge which will be very beneficial for them. They must share their experiences with each other utilize this opportunity to the fullest.”
Dr. Balvinder Shukla, Vice Chancellor Amity University Uttar Pradesh stated, “Amity University conducts various training programmes and workshops from time to time to provide knowledge and hands-on experience to the young researchers which is helpful for them in carrying out their research. The workshop will be immensely valuable for the young researchers since the highly qualified experts from various institutions will guide and support the researchers to achieve fruitful outcome.”
Welcoming the guests, Dr V. K. Modi, Head, Amity Institute of Food Technology, said, “The workshop will provide insight into the concept, properties and preparation technologies for edible films and coatings from carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and composites.”
During the five-day workshop Technical Session on various topics such as “Biodegradable polymers in food systems: Quality evaluation techniques and requirements”, “Edible coating: An eco-friendly intervention for preserving quality and enhancing storage life of fruits and vegetables”, “Biopolymer-based composite film and coatings in food packaging applications”, “Innovative packaging for a sustainable future: Biodegradable, edible, active, and smart solutions for fruits and vegetables” and “Sustainable developments in biodegradable food packaging for shelf-life extension of food products”, will also be conducted.