|
The project plans to use fish
heads, currently regarded as waste, for the production of a powder
rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium. This powder
would be used in the fortification of a staple food, and the
health benefits of such evaluated.
The main objective is to devise
a system that will not damage any of the essential components and
have a good yield. The project includes definition of the
requirements for the raw material including handling and
collection, innovative and specialised drying, deodorisation of
the powder and investigation of suitable and safe stabilizing
additives. A quality system for the production, storage and
packaging of the product will be developed. Once a safe stable
powder is established and available, the formulation of a bakery
or similar product incorporating this will be undertaken. This
product will be designed to appeal to children. A target group of
pre-school children will be used to assess the health benefits in
terms of extra first class protein, micro-elements and the omega
–3 fatty acids which are recognised as a factor in brain
development.
In addition a training and
dissemination programme to implement the production system would
be drawn up. Commercialisation should then follow with Port
Nolloth a target area. The preparation of a more sophisticated
health supplement aimed at a different market sector will also be
investigated. |