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The focus of the work is on microbial contaminants of food, either directly or via toxins, and heavy metal contaminants. The work will define risk factors and improve detection of the most important food-borne pathogens, toxins and heavy metals, and will examine the flow of antimicrobial resistance through the food and into the commensal microbiota, all of which will contribute to improved public health in Scotland through uptake by stakeholders in public health and the food industry. The work is split into two objectives: the molecular detection and diagnosis of pathogens and risk-based
My research interests include: food insecurity and how it can be tackled; how economic circumstances and food consumption practices are linked; how consumers and producers construct, materially and conceptually, 'alternative' economic networks, both now and in the past. This work is informed by cultural political economy, and I am currently working on how this perspective can be applied to smaller and micro-scales through an engagement with the work of Max Weber and Pierre Bourdieu. I am also interested in the social construction of technology, professional knowledges and practices. This is
The aim of the proposal is to undertake an assessment of food waste along food supply chains (dairy, fruits and vegetables) and consumption in Scotland, and provide coherent and robust strategies to reduce food loss and waste across the chain and, where waste cannot be reduced, identify valorisation routes for coproduct/income generation.
My research interests are in plant product quality especially in food applications. I have applied various analytical techniques, including metabolomics, to model how agronomy, climate, genotype or processing influences plant biochemistry and final product quality. I have a particular interest in determining how the levels of health beneficial components are genetically controlled in soft fruits. I have focused on polyphenols and their effects on human health. Relevant collaborations include work on phytochemicals that modulate cancer, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular models but also
The aim of this RD is to investigate the role of diet in determining health within and between generations and the complex interactions with social and economic status. It is designed to advance our understanding of the following key issues: Examine the effects of prenatal parental diet on lifelong physical and mental health of offspring, taking account of socioeconomic circumstances. Advance our understanding of the key dietary drivers of physical and mental health and weight maintenance across the life-course. Assess the impact of dietary variety and quality in women during pregnancy on
The current crisis in public health (obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers) is strongly rooted in an imbalance in dietary components. A healthy balanced diet not only requires reductions in fat, salt, sugar, and in overall calorie intake, but also an increase in fibre and an appropriate level of protein intake. The aim of this RD is to strengthen our understanding of the role of dietary components (in particular fibre and protein) in a healthy diet. The information gained from this research will lead to better policy advice, particularly in relation to healthy
Originally, this research had two main aims. The first was to establish the nature of household food insecurity in Scotland, what societal sectors and communities are affected by and respond to it, how it affects health and wellbeing, and what can be done about it. The second aim was to examine the practicability of producing maps of the range and availability of culturally acceptable foods in Scotland. Changes that occurred after the research started, most notably the decision of the Scottish Government to collect data on food insecurity, prompted revisions to those aims. The four revised
This research has three main aims. Firstly, it seeks to build a better understanding of the characteristics of small and medium sized food and drink enterprises in Scotland. To fulfil this it will conduct a large-scale representative survey of Scottish food and drink enterprises. The other aims will build on this survey, in the context of feedback from project stakeholders. The second aim is to build a better understanding of the characteristics and development of short food and drink supply networks in Scotland by conducting in-depth research with food and drink producers. The third aim is to
The quality of Scottish primary produce is a critical attribute for Scottish producers as it differentiates their products in crowded markets and attracts premium prices. The diversity of these food products (from crops to shellfish) can be crucial for the sustainability of rural communities. They also contribute health benefits within the diet of Scottish consumers and are of key importance to the health, and wealth, of the nation. Major advances in technology have provided opportunities to further our understanding of the accumulation of known health beneficial components (HBCs) in a range
“There needs to be more discussion between different parts of the industry and the public about the future of dairy farming. Not only about facts – what are the environmental, social and welfare impacts of housing cows; but also about values – how do we want our milk to be produced and what do we value about agriculture?” The role of grazing in dairy farming the UK has become increasingly contentious; dairy farming in the UK has changed from seasonal housing and grazing to around a fifth of farmers housing cows all year around. This change continues to be controversial with the public, and