Research Focus

Food security is a problem of national importance for Sri Lanka in the context of climate change. The Food chemistry progamme at NIFS focuses on exploring the application of chemistry to add value to under-utilized plant resources to address food and nutritional security. As Sri Lanka is a tropical country with a rich biodiversity of plant resources, adding value to the under-utilized resources is a good strategy for food and nutritional security. We investigate the nutritional composition, bioactivity, keeping quality and functional properties of raw materials from these under-utilized plant resources. Generally, the nutritional composition, bioactivities and functional properties of raw food materials might change due to the application of food processing methods such as freezing, thawing, drying, defatting, etc. Research on such changes is of considerable importance for human nutrition, food safety and wellness. As a part of the project, we also focus on the application of food chemistry to ensure the quality and authenticity of food products to safeguard consumers from fraudulent practices. 

Why does this matter?

Food security challenges and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity have increased the demand for functional foods that are both nutritious and health-promoting. Addressing food and nutritional security is important as it may help protect human health, drives economic productivity, and maintains global stability. Reliable access to safe, nutritious food could strengthen the immune system and prevents malnutrition among children, and prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.