May 2004 Issue--Expect new markets in food preservation, therapeutic and nutritional products to open up for California whey processors. The Industry-University Cooperative Research Program (IUCRP) awarded University of California-Davis researcher John Krochta, Ph.D, a $120,000 grant to apply his whey protein film and coating work for food safety. The grant, which was matched by equal funding from the California Dairy Research Foundation, is for a two-year project to commercialize the application of whey protein films and coatings as a bioactive food protection system to increase the safety and quality of food. Whey protein films and coatings can carry bioactive compounds that provide antimicrobial and antioxidant protection for foods that are not only cost-effective, but also easy-to-use. Information about Dr. Krochta's research is available at www.ediblefilms.org.

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