Singapore startup, KosmodeHealth’s valorisation of Spent Barley Grains (SBG) into functional foods to address the issue of food sustainability & security was recently adopted into the work plan of PPFS WG1, albeit a reference project amongst 21 APEC economies.
Singapore’s representative (private sector) and Chair of Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Fishery Sectors (PPFS WG1) in APEC Policy Partnership on Food presented KosmodeHealth’s valorisation of food processing waste into functional foods as an example of how waste resources can be repurposed for human nutrition during the recent APEC Senior Official Meeting (SOM 1) in Palm Springs, USA.
The presentation was well received, and as of 20th February 2023, KosmodeHealth’s valorisation approach has been included as part of the WG1 work plan in APEC PPFS.
The Policy Partnership on Food Security (PPFS) is a multilateral partnership established in 2010 that aims to address food security issues in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Chair for Sustainable Development in Agriculture and Fishery Sectors (PPFS WG1) for APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, A/Prof Matthew Tan, delivered the project presentation. After learning about KosmodeHealth’s approach to extracting protein and fibre from SBG for formulation into functional foods, A/P Matthew Tan further alluded that KosmodeHealth’s initiative and approach are very much aligned with APEC priority in managing Food Loss Waste.
A/P Matthew Tan commented, “I am pleased to say that besides the smooth inclusion of KosmodeHealth as part of the APEC PPFS WG1 work plan, interest was also generated after my presentation for possible follow-up in SOM 3 side events in August 2023.” He added, “Singapore has demonstrated her ability to punch above her weight and lead even in food waste valorisation.”
Dr Su-San Chang, Lead Shepherd – Agricultural Technical Cooperation Working Group (ATCWG) – APEC Chinese Taipei, commented, “Food loss and waste remain critical global challenges affecting food security, economic growth, and environmental growth sustainability. Food upcycling and waste valorisation play an important role to mitigate this threat.”
In this regard, KosmodeHealth Singapore Pte Ltd’s approach to food processing waste upvaluing for human nutrition is a significant step forward in addressing these challenges.
“KosmodeHealth has been demonstrating the valorisation of food processing wastes for human nutrition as we believe that it is a means of achieving SDG goals such as zero hunger, good health and well-being without adversely impacting the planet. The inclusion of KosmodeHealth’s approach in the PPFS WG1 work plan is a validation of our approach and is a source of great encouragement to the team,” said Ms Florence Leong, Co-Founder of KosmodeHealth. “Going beyond up-cycling to up-valuing is an immediate solution to an immediate functional food sustainability challenge. It is a win-win solution – the earth wins as wastes are not dumped into landfills to cause planetary damage. Humankind wins as these wastes are an abundant, economical and circular source of nutrients that can be reclaimed for human needs,” Ms Leong added. [APBN]
KosmodeHealth Singapore Pte Ltd, a deep technology spin-off from the Food Science & Technology Dept of the National University of Singapore, is co-founded by Prof Huang Dejian and Ms Florence Leong. KosmodeHealth has 1 mission to expand access to health from nature, addressing challenges in 2 industries – Agri-food and Biomedical, with 3 technologies.
Within the Agri-food industry, KosmodeHealth addressed functional food sustainability challenges by valorising food processing waste into functional ingredients for functional food development. KosmodeHealth extracts protein and fibre from Spent Barley Grains, wastes generated from beer and malt beverage production, and has formulated W0W® noodle – the world’s only functional food with 0 glycemic response (i.e. no elevation of blood sugar level after consumption).
For more information, please visit www.w0wnoodle.com
Within the Biomedical Industry, especially for 3D cell culture applications. KosmodeHealth extracts protein from food processing wastes (1st tech), formulated Plant Protein Composite (PPC® ) bio-ink ( 2nd tech) and customised printing of 3D scaffold to the optimal requirement of different cell & tissue types (3rd tech).
For more information, please visit www.kosmodehealth.com
Source: KosmodeHealth Singapore Pte Ltd