Network for companies who want to get ahead of the game with new technology. For participants in Norway.
The aim of the network
Providing added value for Norwegian food companies by teaching them how to harness new technology to assess food safety risks.
The network
Developments in microbiology are increasingly showing up the need to assess risks in food production in an efficient and proper way. The network will select some new technological solutions and examine them. Participants will look at suitability, food safety effects and connections with existing and future regulations. The network will give participating companies unique opportunities for competence building in new and exciting technology. In addition to the techniques mentioned, participants can suggest additional themes to discuss. The project will offer the opportunity to build new networks with centres of excellence both at home and abroad, as well as with other producers.
Implementation of the network
The network will have 4 meetings during the year, each of 1 or 2 days. Some of these will be held in Norway and some abroad, so as to come into direct contact with centres of excellence in the new technologies. The meetings will be a mix of technical input, exchange of information and inspections to see new technology at work. Technology relevant for the network:
- Ultra high pressure (visit and demonstration in Spain)
- Dielectric heating/microwaves (with specialists at Nofima Mat, Stavanger and in Germany)
- Shaka autoclave - "old fashioned" heat treatment with a technological twist (with specialists and demonstrations at Nofima Mat, Stavanger)
- Active prevention of undesirable microorganisms with bacteriophages and inhibiting cultures (with specialists at Nofima Mat, Ås)
- Nanotechnology - packaging and product
- Other...
Other external expertise will be brought into the meetings as needed.
Project work in own company
Between the meetings, participants will be expected to carry out project work on the network topics in their own companies. Companies will be free to choose a project that is as relevant as possible to their own businesses. Individual technical assistance may be offered in areas of special interest to the participant's own company, subject to the resources the network has at its disposal.
Target group
7 - 10 Norwegian food companies, primarily producers of perishable products. We recommend that 2 or 3 persons from each company participate in the meetings, preferably with different professional responsibilities, such as product development, quality and marketing.
Start up
The aim is for the first meeting to be held in February 2009.
Nofima Mat experts will be visiting potential participants before the first meeting to provide information and assess suitability for participation.
