2007 Food Product Development Team

First row- Jovin Hasjim, Evelyn Hui Shian Tee, Sefriyani Johan, Sheue-Lei Lock, Tint Fen Low
Second row-Ivan Wibowo, Shirley Yunita Witarsa, Rena Phalosa Joesoef, Hio Cheng Kuan, Deborah Jaya
Back row-Charlwit Kulchaiyawat, Robert Jayanegara

(not in the picture: Yu Chin Low and Zhen Li Lee)

The Food Science and Human Nutrition department’s food product development team has been selected as one of the six finalists for the Institute of Food Technologists Student Association Product Development Competition. The team, under the direction of Advisor Dr. Mark Love, submitted a preliminary proposal in February and was one of 6 universities chosen from 20 proposals. Teams from Michigan State University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Chapman University, the University of Minnesota, and Washington State University will also be competing.

The group’s product is called French Sticks, a novel frozen pre-baked vegetable sticks made from potato and cauliflower. This product will give a healthy alternative for consumers to enjoy a product with the similar flavor, texture, and appearance of French fries, but with fewer calories and more nutrients. This concept creates a tasty and healthy alternative for consumers to enjoy and incorporate into healthier lifestyle choices.

The competition will be held during this year Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting in Chicago from July 28 - August 1. As one of the six finalists, the product development team is scheduled to give an oral presentation, a poster presentation, and a defense with sample tasting.