Near East University has inaugurated the Agri-Vet Food Technologies Laboratory and the Probiotic Strain Bank in collaboration with its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Agriculture, aligning with key sustainability development goals. In the face of economic and environmental changes, food safety and healthy nutrition have risen to the forefront of global priorities. The laboratory and strain bank are expected to contribute significantly to the efficiency and standards of traditional food production in Cyprus, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and scientifically informed methods.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, and many other academics and students. The event showcased various products, such as probiotic ice cream, kefir, four-grass kefir, and water kefir, produced by the university.

During the opening ceremony, key speakers highlighted the pivotal role that the Agri-Vet Food Technologies Laboratory and Probiotic Strain Bank will play in enhancing the efficiency of traditional food production. Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized the multidisciplinary nature of the project, expressing confidence that it would facilitate numerous scientific research studies.

Prof. Dr. Özge Özden, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, underscored the importance of local probiotic products and outlined plans for joint projects. She highlighted initiatives, including research on vegetable oil and essential oil-based edible nanomissions to extend the shelf life of snail meat, known as "Garavulli" in Northern Cyprus, and beekeeping studies to enhance efficiency in honey production.

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş, spoke about the significant contribution the laboratory and strain bank would make to scientific studies in veterinary medicine and agriculture. He expressed the university's aim to increase productivity in agriculture, animal husbandry, and food production through the implementation of various projects.

In summary, the Agri-Vet Food Technologies Laboratory and Probiotic Strain Bank at Near East University are poised to drive sustainable advancements in food production, aligning with global goals for economic and environmental responsibility.

For more information:

https://neu.edu.tr/probiotic-strain-bank-was-established-at-near-east-university/?lang=en