Food science students entertain, intrigue kids at elementary school science fair

March 5, 2020

It might not be a surprise if there are some aspiring young food scientists at State College’s Easterly Parkway Elementary School after a group of Penn State students recently showed how much fun the discipline can be.

Teaching excellence recognized in College of Agricultural Sciences

March 5, 2020

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized nine faculty members for outstanding teaching in 2019.

Green tea extract combined with exercise reduces fatty liver disease in mice

February 13, 2020

The combination of green tea extract and exercise reduced the severity of obesity-related fatty liver disease by 75% in mice fed a high-fat diet, according to Penn State researchers, whose recent study may point to a potential health strategy for people.

USDA deputy undersecretary for food safety to speak at University Park on Feb. 6

January 30, 2020

Mindy Brashears, deputy undersecretary for food safety at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will be the speaker at the Penn State Department of Food Science seminar at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, in 252 Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building on the University Park campus.

Penn State-Ingredion short course introduces the future of food science

January 23, 2020

The Penn State-Ingredion Plant-based Yogurt Alternative Short Course took place last fall and was deemed a success. During the two-day workshop, 31 attendees, hailing from 11 states and four countries, gained insight into the challenges of formulating plant-based yogurt alternatives, the breadth and functionality of plant proteins, and the nitty-gritty details of bringing a product to market.

Novel composite antimicrobial film could take a bite out of foodborne illnesses

January 19, 2020

A novel composite film — created by the bonding of an antimicrobial layer to conventional, clear polyethylene plastic typically used to vacuum-package foods such as meat and fish — could help to decrease foodborne illness outbreaks, according to researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Penn State Extension has farm food safety education materials for Amish growers

December 20, 2019

Penn State Extension has developed curriculum materials for Plain Sect (Amish, Mennonite) growers to help them meet training requirements established in the federal Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule.

Penn State food scientist named Food Systems Leadership Institute Fellow

December 18, 2019

Robert Roberts, professor and head of food science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, was one of 26 academic and industry leaders recognized as Fellows of the Food Systems Leadership Institute during a ceremony at the recent annual meeting of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in San Diego.

Extension offers tools to small-scale, raw-milk cheesemakers for safer products

December 11, 2019

Penn State Extension is now offering free online tools for small-scale cheesemakers to help them develop a food safety system for their facilities and conduct risk assessments of their processes. Printed copies are available for cheesemakers that do not have access to the internet.

Scholar trains educators from Ethiopia in detection of foodborne pathogens

September 30, 2019

Schreyer Honors Scholar and microbiology major Cassidy Prince created a training program to help researchers and educators from Ethiopia detect and monitor foodborne pathogens.

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences honors outstanding alumni

September 23, 2019

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has honored five of its graduates with 2019 Outstanding Alumni Awards. The awards, which will be presented during a banquet Oct. 22 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, recognize the alumni for their achievements and provide opportunities for recipients to interact with the college's faculty, students and other alumni.

Berkey Creamery partners with Meats Lab to promote Penn State-grown products

September 4, 2019

Penn State tailgaters and students alike have new products to enjoy thanks to a partnership between Berkey Creamery and the Penn State Meats Laboratory. The Creamery now carries five flavors of salami, five flavors of beef jerky and three flavors of meat snack sticks, all made at the Meats Lab.

Penn State launches new online sensory and consumer science graduate certificate

August 30, 2019

Penn State’s newest online certificate combines the study of sensory and consumer science with statistics, with an eye toward preparing students to obtain, analyze and describe product and consumer insight, provide clear recommendations on optimizing the quality of products, and increase the market success of those products.

Rosskams show commitment to philanthropy, food science with graduate fellowship

August 26, 2019

A family commitment to philanthropy, a career-long dedication to the food industry, and a deeply rooted connection to Penn State serve as inspiration for a newly created graduate fellowship in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

Foodborne pathogen sheltered by harmless bacteria that support biofilm formation

August 21, 2019

Pathogenic bacteria that stubbornly lurk in some apple-packing facilities may be sheltered and protected by harmless bacteria that are known for their ability to form biofilms, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest the discovery could lead to development of alternative foodborne-pathogen-control strategies.

Whole genome sequencing may help officials get a handle on disease outbreaks

August 7, 2019

In a series of studies, researchers showed that whole genome analysis can provide highly detailed information on pathogens in a timely fashion. The findings could help public officials prepare treatment and prevention options when disease outbreaks threaten the public.

Kaylegian named recipient of Arthur W. Nesbitt Faculty Program Development Award

July 29, 2019

Kerry Kaylegian, associate research professor in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the recipient of the 2019 Arthur W. Nesbitt Faculty Program Development Award.

Novel powdered milk method yields better frothing agent

July 23, 2019

A novel method of processing — using high-pressure jets to spray milk and then quickly drying the spray — yields skim milk powders with enhanced properties and functionality, according to Penn State researchers, who say the discovery may lead to "cleaner" labels on foods.

Penn State Berkey Creamery hosts annual creamery managers conference

July 17, 2019

The Penn State Berkey Creamery served up valuable information and a bit of fun — ice cream included, of course — to colleagues when it recently hosted the annual University Creamery Managers Conference.

College of Agricultural Sciences trains Ethiopians to detect dairy pathogens

June 26, 2019

A two-week training on foodborne pathogen detection methods, focused on dairy, will help educators and government agencies in Ethiopia ensure the safety of dairy products in that country.

Milk: Best drink to reduce burn from chili peppers

June 25, 2019

People who order their Buffalo wings especially spicy and sometimes find them to be too "hot," should choose milk to reduce the burn, according to Penn State researchers, who also suggest it does not matter if it is whole or skim.

Vanilla makes milk beverages seem sweeter

June 20, 2019

Adding vanilla to sweetened milk makes consumers think the beverage is sweeter, allowing the amount of added sugar to be reduced, according to Penn State researchers, who will use the concept to develop a reduced-sugar chocolate milk for the National School Lunch Program.

Sensing food textures is a matter of pressure

June 13, 2019

Food's texture affects whether it is eaten, liked or rejected, according to Penn State researchers, who say some people are better at detecting even minor differences in consistency because their tongues can perceive particle sizes.

Visiting Zamorano University students embrace Penn State experience

June 3, 2019

Students from Zamorano University in Honduras experienced a taste of American culture and college life by studying at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences during the spring 2019 semester.

Penn State Dairy Products Evaluation Team places in national contest

April 26, 2019

The Dairy Products Evaluation Team in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences won several awards during the National Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Competition held April 17 in Madison, Wisconsin.

Food scientist Kovac receives young investigator award

April 25, 2019

Jasna Kovac, assistant professor of food science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was named recipient of the Institut Merieux Young Investigator Award in Antimicrobial Resistance from the International Association for Food Protection.

Improving food safety knowledge, practices in Africa is focus of research

April 2, 2019

Improving food safety knowledge and practices in Africa is the focus of research conducted by Catherine Cutter, professor of food science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Kaylegian Recognized by Gamma Sigma Delta Chapter for Extension Excellence

April 2, 2019

Dr. Kerry Kaylegian was recognized for Extension Excellence by Gamma Sigma Delta chapter on March 28, 2019 during the “Celebration of Excellence Event” held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Penn State Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta.

Building starch backbones for lab-grown meat using Lego pieces

March 26, 2019

A new technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces could have future applications for lab-grown "clean" meat, according to a team of food scientists from Penn State and the University of Alabama.

Penn State food science senior has found the ingredients for success

March 19, 2019

Brianna Elicker, of York, a senior majoring in food science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has had a passion for food and agriculture from an early age.