A new research centre, which will focus on the needs of consumer groups with specific dietary restrictions, has been launched at the University of Chester.

The Restricted Diets Research Centre is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

It will be based at the University’s Institute of Food Science and Innovation and aims to address an important current gap in the food sector, which relates to the needs of the consumer groups with certain dietary restrictions.

These could be due to religious beliefs and lifestyle choices (eg halal, kosher, vegetarian, vegan), or due to certain medical conditions (eg allergies, diabetes, obesity, coeliac and other food borne ailments).

The centre offers research and development, expert advice, education and training to relevant stakeholders.

Established through a collaboration between Professors Qasim Chaudhry and John Banks at the University of Chester, and Dr Mebs Surve of York-based Swift Analytical Ltd (www.swiftanalytical.com) , its work is also aimed at developing and promoting scientific understanding of the various special dietary needs, necessary methods and tools to ensure authenticity and quality of the food products.

The centre is establishing close collaboration with relevant stakeholders within the consumer forums, industry, and regulatory agencies to facilitate the development and promotion of authentic and high quality food and other consumer products that are accepted by a wider spectrum of society.

Dr Surve explains how the centre came about: “I had the idea when I was given a tour of the NoWFOOD Centre, which is based at the university. We thought that this could be a great place to have such a centre as there is nothing of this kind in Europe. The Restricted Diets Research Centre could be a hub for ‘authenticating’ food, to ensure that it is what producers say it is, which will provide reassurance to all those who have dietary restrictions, for whatever reason. It will also have the potential to provide training to help businesses, schools and colleges, to understand handling techniques and the importance of preventing cross contamination.”

Professors John Banks and Qasim Chaudhry said: “Long-term consumption of a restricted diet can also potentially lead to dietary deficiencies so we can also provide advice on how to eat a balanced diet.

“This is a great partnership project between business and academia, linking us at the university, with our academic expertise, to the corporate expertise of Swift Analytical. The Restricted Diets Centre welcomes enquiries and more information can be found at www.chester.ac.uk/ifsi/centres-groups/rdrc

Professor Graham Bonwick of the Institute of Food Science and Innovation (IFSI) at the University of Chester added: “The work involved in setting up this centre is likely to create much interest in the area of restrictive diets and the work of IFSI as a whole. This can only have a positive effect on the research and development activity and help to underpin teaching and our extension/ outreach activities with key stakeholders, including the food industry.”