University Driven Research Program (UDRP) — Human Nutrition and Health (Food Safety)

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

---

Food safety is no longer merely a local concern — it has become a pressing global agenda that demands integrated scientific and innovative solutions. Recognising this reality, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through its University Driven Research Program (UDRP) titled "A Global Player in Food Security Framework: Human Nutrition and Health (Food Safety)", has taken significant strides in driving world-class food safety research, led by Associate Professor Dr. Nor Khaizura Mahmud @ Ab Rashid.

A Transdisciplinary Research Focus

This program brings together expertise from multiple fields — food science, microbiology, agriculture, public health, engineering, data science, and social sciences — to address food safety challenges from multiple perspectives. This transdisciplinary approach enables a more holistic problem-solving process, spanning engineering, bioeconomics, and social sciences to tackle today's increasingly complex food-related challenges.

Strategic Pillars of Strength

Research under this program is anchored by three key strategic pillars:

• Advanced Detection Technology — development of rapid pathogen sensors, diagnostic kits, and new methods to identify food safety threats quickly and accurately.
• Innovative Preservation Solutions — the use of biocontrol agents, antimicrobial coatings, and smart packaging to extend shelf life while maintaining product safety.
• Rigorous Process Improvement — implementation of HACCP, GMP, automated sanitation, and advanced risk assessment and traceability modules to ensure continuous compliance with industry standards.

World-Class Research Facilities

To support high-impact research, UPM provides several specialised laboratories under this initiative:

1. Laboratory of Biochemical Food Safety — focuses on chemical contaminants and detailed food composition analysis.
2. Laboratory of Bacteriological Food Safety — dedicated to investigating foodborne pathogens and developing microbial control strategies.
3. Laboratory of Mycology Food Safety — an expert centre for studying fungal growth, mycotoxins, and mould-related safety issues.
4. Collaborative Laboratory (FSTM & ITAFoS) — a joint facility established between the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM) and the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS).

Research Project Highlights

Among the key projects being carried out under this program are:

• Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) Safety — assessing the food safety and quality of BSFL at the production level for use as an alternative animal feed source.
• Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes — exploring a synergistic approach using probiotics and ultrasound to control Listeria in protein-based foods.
• Grain Corn Contamination Mitigation — utilising specialised biocontrol agents to mitigate pathogenic contamination in grain corn supplies.
• Milk Allergen Reduction — using epitope mapping and molecular dynamic modelling to develop hypoallergenic peptides and improve digestibility.
• Rapid E. coli Detection — developing an aptamer-based competitive format lateral flow assay for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 in water.

Transdisciplinary Expertise on Offer

The research team behind this program offers expertise spanning Microbiological Food Safety, Chemical Food Safety, Molecular Toxicology, Food Quality, Food Safety Management, Health and Sustainability, Bioeconomics, Plant Pathology, and Nutritional Sciences — making it a strategic partner for industry and academic collaboration in advancing the nation's agri-food value chain.

 

Date of Input: 27/08/2026 | Updated: 28/08/2026 | norasiah