A former storage shed at the University of Otago has been redeveloped into a food science lab.
The department of food science's interim ‘‘food hall in the tin shed'' was opened to department staff and students yesterday.
Head of department Indrawati Oey said the laboratory was needed to conduct research as part of a six-year Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment food industry enabling technology project focusing on the transfer of science and technology to food industry applications.
The space would also be used by local food businesses for product development and testing, she said.
‘‘It is needed because we need to be able to apply what we are teaching and develop industry relationships.''
The facility's food-processing equipment was demonstrated at the opening, with ice cream processing and coffee roasting among the displays.
-By Margot Taylor
