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.

Avocado seed extract shows promise as anti-inflammatory compound

March 12, 2019

An extract from the seeds of avocados exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in a laboratory study, according to Penn State researchers, and it represents a potential source for novel anti-inflammatory compounds that could be developed as a functional food ingredient or pharmaceuticals.

Sensory tests suggest 'liking' wines made with native grapes a learned response

March 6, 2019

Consumer preference or aversion to wines made from native grapes — such as Concord, Niagara and Catawba, which are grown in North America — may depend on early exposure to the fruits' sweet, ultra "grapey" taste and aroma, according to researchers who conducted sensory tests with wine drinkers in Pennsylvania and California.

More scrutiny needed for less-deadly foodborne bacteria

February 13, 2019

Employing advanced genetic-tracing techniques and sharing the data produced in real time could limit the spread of bacteria — Bacillus cereus — which cause foodborne illness, according to researchers who implemented whole-genome sequencing of a pathogen-outbreak investigation.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty members honored for teaching excellence

January 25, 2019

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has recognized six faculty members for outstanding teaching in 2018.

Wake up and smell the coffee: Research shows freezing beans can preserve aroma

January 15, 2019

As a food science major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Andrew Cotter conducted research on the storage of coffee beans. He showed that storing roasted coffee beans in the freezer — a popular preservation method — can help preserve the aroma of certain varieties of beans.

A 'bran' new way to preserve healthy food with natural ingredients

January 3, 2019

A natural antioxidant found in grain bran could preserve food longer and replace synthetic antioxidants currently used by the food industry, according to researchers at Penn State.

Penn State Berkey Creamery intern plays important role in product development

December 19, 2018

Abigail Rule, a senior majoring in food science in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has gotten the inside scoop on product development, thanks to an internship with Penn State's Berkey Creamery.

Biodegradable, edible film kills pathogens on seafood

December 17, 2018

A biodegradable, edible film made with plant starch and antimicrobial compounds may control the growth of foodborne pathogens on seafood, according to a group of international researchers.

Livestock producers, consumers may be affected by cell-cultured meat regulations

December 11, 2018

According to a team of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences livestock experts and food scientists focused on cellular agriculture, the progress of this technology requires thorough evaluation and discussion to address the multitude of questions surrounding it.

Your turkey doesn't need a shower: No-nos when it comes to holiday bird prep

November 21, 2018

Talking (Thanksgiving) turkey: Some methods of handling and cooking turkey, which have been passed down from generation to generation, may be setting the table for foodborne illness, according to a food safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Color coded — matching taste with color

November 15, 2018

Color can impact the taste of food, and our experiences and expectations can affect how we taste food, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest this may have implications for how food and beverage industries should market their products.