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FOOD TECHNOLOGY UNIT -
Produce Chemist Laboratory
Historical Perspective
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1974:
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Opening
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1974 - 1979:
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Range of fruit juices and preserves were developed
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1975 - 1976:
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Research on the Coconut Industry (CML) conducted at the Produce Chemist
Laboratory with British Assistance
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1981
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Product development (jam, jellies, cheeses, nectars, syrup and flours using local fruits and vegetables).
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1981 - 1988:
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Solar Drying Project Integrated Regional Programme involving U.W.I, St. Lucia
and Antigua, granted under the OAS Regional Project.
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1982 - 1988:
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OAS National Project on Food Techonology
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1985 - 1989:
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Biogas Project with GTZ (German Aid). The establishment of Biogas
units, training of Technicians and the provision of accessories for the use of the gas.
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1994:
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Establishment of the microbiology lab to support the Produce Chemist Laboratory.
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1994 - 1999:
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Focus on lab analysis - Chemical and microbiological Involved in
agro-processing, drug testing services to assist the Royal St. Lucia Police Force in criminal investigation and food quality monitoring activities.
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Challenges
 Lack of a mandate for lab.
Administration has not accepted the importance of such a service to the Agriculture
Sector.
Lack of funds to purchase necessary equipment and reagents.
Provision of refresher courses/seminars for staff are limited.
Provision of refresher courses/seminars for staff are limited.
Future Direction
Technical transfer of new product development
Enhance food quality to allow for competition on world market.
To acquire accreditation for laboratories
To develop proper networking system for information dissemination
(the establishment of a database system)
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