SFAS Preparatory Laboratory
SFAS Preparatory and Food Product Development Laboratory is a multifunctional facility designed to enhance hands-on learning, research, and innovation within the FST and Human HND programs. The laboratory provides the foundation for transforming theoretical concepts into practical food formulations, analytical assessments, and prototype development.
Major Functions and Focus Areas
- Food Product Development: Designing and testing new food formulations, including fortified, functional, and value-added products
- Food Analysis and Evaluation: Conducting proximate and physicochemical analyses such as moisture, fat, protein, ash, and carbohydrate content
- Ingredient and Process Optimization: Studying the functional behavior of ingredients during mixing, cooking, and processing to achieve desired quality attributes
- Recipe Standardization and Quality Testing: Developing standardized formulations supported by analytical and sensory data
- Student Skill Development: Providing practical training in laboratory techniques, formulation design, and sample preparation for further analytical or sensory evaluation.
Infrastructure and Equipment
This lab is equipped with essential analytical and processing instruments to support small- to medium-scale experimentation, including:
- Analytical and digital balances
- Laboratory ovens, hot plates, and water baths
- pH meters and refractometers
- Food mixers, grinders, and blenders
- Heating mantles and glassware for chemical analysis
- Basic tools for formulation and prototype testing
Academic and Research Integration
This laboratory serves as a core platform for:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate practical sessions in food formulation, processing, and analysis
- Student and faculty research projects focusing on the development of novel and health-oriented food products
- Prototype testing prior to scaling up in the Food Processing Hall