Food safety has become an issue of common concern to people in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the world. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government also strives to raise the city’s food safety standard to international level, thereby protecting people’s health. In this issue, Prof. Wong Wing-tak, Head of PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology cum Director of the Food Safety and Technology Research Centre, talks about PolyU’s work in this area.

1. How does PolyU help raise the standard of food safety through education?

PolyU’s Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology has dedicated efforts to the teaching and research of applied biology, biotechnology, applied chemistry and chemical technology. To meet society’s needs, the Department launched the BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology programme in 2009, nurturing professionals in the field.

2. In the past decade, the Department has successfully developed several testing techniques which can identify harmful elements in food. Could you introduce some of the techniques to us?

β-lactam antibiotic is widely used in dairy cattle and lambs to prevent them from falling sick and for treatment use. Its residual is easily found in dairy products, causing diarrhea, dizziness and allergy. To address this problem, our researchers have developed a “fluorescent biosensor” which can quickly test the presence of β-lactam antibiotic in food. Using this technique, a strong fluorescent signal will be shown if a trace of the element is found.

This research has earlier won a Gold Award in the International Exhibition of Inventions in China, and the two major dairy industries in the world also showed great interest in this invention.

Furthermore, the Department has developed a “fluorescent chemosensor” which can test the formaldehyde in food. In recent years, for the sake of earning more money, some unethical businessmen add formaldehyde during food processing to whiten the food and to make it more appealing, seriously affecting consumers’ health.

3. Food safety will become an increasingly important issue in the future. Does PolyU have any plan in view of this development?

PolyU is preparing for the establishment of the Food Safety and Technology Research Centre this year, the first of its kind run by a higher education institution. Through its state-of-the-art facilities and experts, the research centre strives to promote education and research, and provide professional testing and consultancy services to the industry.

4. What are the research directions of the Centre?

The research interests of the Centre include Food Safety and Toxicology, Testing and Certification, Food Allergy, Food Microbiology, Functional Food Development, Food Processing and Packaging Safety, Food Supply Chain Logistics, Food Waste Management, and Food Authentication/ Traceability. Through combining professional knowledge in various areas, the Department hopes the Centre will turn advanced technology into practical use by acting as an international technology platform for the government, industry and the research sector.