An Indian patent number 508659 titled “Bacteriological food testing kit (BFTK) for rapid and efficient detection of presence/absence of recurrent indicator and emerging pathogens in food sample” has been granted to the three scientists of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). These include Dr Parampal Sahota, Principal Microbiologist-cum-Head, University Librarian (retd.), Ms Deepali Luthra, and Dr Bhavish Sood, Department of Microbiology, PAU. This patent deals with the detection of food-borne pathogens in food samples by simply observing the change in colour of the kit. This kit is auto-analytic, highly sensitive, cost-effective and user friendly.

Dr Urmila Gupta, Principal Scientist (REE)-cum-Head, Department of Microbiology, while congratulating the scientists, informed that this patented kit has been designed keeping in view, the public health vigilance and attention to food safety.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, congratulated the department for getting its eighth patent.

Dr Shammi Kapoor, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, and Dr Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research, also conveyed their best wishes to the three scientists and exhorted them to continue with their dedicated efforts.

Dr Khushdeep Dharni, Associate Director, Technology Marketing and IPR Cell, stated that the food testing kit provided a simple and useful solution for rapidly detecting the food safety hazards in the food items and had a huge potential for commercialization.