VATIS UPDATE Article

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines, has developed powerful food processing machines in shiny stainless steel frames and moulds, to equip the newly operated Davao Food Processing Innovation Center (FPIC) its distinct advantage over other food manufacturers. The Davao FPIC serves as a research and development center to assist micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in Davao and the entire region raise their productivity through mechanization.

The machineries used in the facility include the following: vacuum fryer, spray dryer, vacuum sealer, freeze dryer, band sealer and water retort. All of these equipment are fabricated locally by Filipino scientists and engineers trained by the DOST and the partner institutions. The vacuum fryer reduces fat absorption by as much as 42% by using low temperature resulting in high quality fried fruit and vegetable products. The spray dryer, on the other hand, transforms agricultural products like carrots and calamansi into powder form as the machine’s atomizer breaks liquid sample into small particles that are dried upon contact with hot air.

Another equipment, the freeze dryer removes moisture while maintain cellular integrity thereby preserving highly perishable produce for a longer time. The water retort is also auseful equipment as it sterilizes food packaged in hermetically sealed containers like those in retortpouch, cans, bottles, jars. Samples of products that use this include dried tuyo(dried herring), laing(native Bicolano dish of taro leaves cooked in coconut milk)and sardines. Lastly, the vacuum sealer is used for any type of plastic packaging that results in optimum seal and quality performance due accurate and consistent sealing temperature.