ICAR-CIFT Inks MoU with Merck Life Science to Enhance Food Safety

ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi has entered a significant partnership with Merck Life Science Pvt. Ltd., aiming to advance food safety standards. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focusing on the development of innovative test kits for detecting foodborne pathogens, as well as creating comprehensive food safety guidance documents and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, and Dr. Veena Panicker, Head of Bio-Monitoring at Merck Life Science Pvt. Ltd., represented their respective organizations in signing the MoU. This partnership is set to enhance methods for microbial detection and workflow development, providing subject matter guidance, regulatory consultation, scientific demonstrations, and training in food safety.

The MoU signing took place during the inaugural ceremony of the DST-SERB-sponsored workshop, 'Business Avenues in Fish Processing and Value Addition.' This event, organized by the Fish Processing Division and the Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ZTMC) of ICAR-CIFT, highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in the fish processing industry. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Dr. R. Dinesh, Director of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, and Dr. Bindu J., Head of the Fish Processing Division, among other dignitaries.

A key component of this partnership is the confidentiality agreement signed between ICAR-CIFT and Merck for the development of rapid testing kits. This agreement underscores the commitment of both organizations to ensure that the test kits remain proprietary and effective in the swift detection of foodborne pathogens.

Notably, ICAR-CIFT has become the first research institute in India to sign a MoU with the Merck Group, marking a step in India's efforts to elevate its food safety standards. This collaboration is expected to yield significant advancements in the detection and management of foodborne pathogens, ultimately enhancing the safety and quality of food products.

The partnership between ICAR-CIFT and Merck Life Science represents a critical step towards ensuring safer food supply chains and demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts in scientific research and technological innovation.