For immediate release

Everything you want to know about food

The Institute of Food Research is giving scientific, industry and media audiences the chance to ask anything they ever wanted to know about food science on Thursday May 15th, from 10am to 4pm.

The displays and talks by IFR staff are designed for non-specialised business audiences. IFR science helps to solve problems at every stage of the food industry, from farm to fork. For example, how to keep bubbles stable in bread or beer, how to maximise the nutritional quality of food, how to ensure its safety or how to ensure it gives the greatest possible pleasure.

"IFR is the UK's independent centre of scientific research focused on the raw materials of food, the methods by which it is processed and its interactions with the human host", said Professor Alastair Robertson, IFR's Director.

The Open Day will showcase some of the latest technology pioneered by IFR for the long term benefit of industry and consumers. Modelling systems help to assess the impact of foods on the human body, such as the safety of GM food or the benefits of yoghurt probiotics. Mass spectrometry helps to trace the source of food, checking the authenticity of Parma ham, Tuscan olive oil, Burgundy wine or Modena balsamic vinegar. Microarrays demystify the world's most pathogenic bacteria, such as C. botulinum and E. coli.

If you have any particular questions or interests, we can organise a tour or make sure you are directed to the right person. Call Dawn Barrett for more details: 01603 255328, email dawn.barrett@ifr.ac.uk or see www.ifr.ac.uk/events

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