Today, June 16th, is International Biotechnology Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of biotechnology to society. From Food 4 Future – Expo Foodtech, we want to highlight the role of biotechnology in the food industry, transforming the way we cultivate, process, and consume our food.

What is food biotechnology?
Food biotechnology is the use of living organisms or their products to improve food, making it safer, more nutritious, and delicious. This discipline employs tools such as genetic engineering, fermentation, and molecular biology to modify plants, animals, and microorganisms to enhance the quality and quantity of food available to the global population.

Innovations that are changing the game in the food industry:

– Functional Foods: Biotechnology has enabled the creation of functional foods that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Examples include foods enriched with probiotics to improve digestive health or foods fortified with vitamins and minerals to address nutritional deficiencies.

– Genetically Modified Crops (GM): Despite the controversies surrounding genetically modified crops, their impact on food security and sustainability cannot be denied. GM crops can resist diseases, tolerate extreme weather conditions, and require fewer pesticides, reducing environmental impact and increasing yields.

– New Methods of Preservation: Biotechnology has introduced innovative methods of food preservation, such as the use of enzymes and microorganisms to naturally extend the shelf life of food products, without the need for artificial preservatives.

– Alternative Food Production: With the increasing global population and concerns about the environment, biotechnology is being used to develop alternative foods, such as lab-grown meat and plant-based meat substitutes, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional meat production.

The Future of Food Biotechnology:
As we move towards an increasingly technological future, biotechnology will continue to play a fundamental role in transforming the food industry. From improving the safety and quality of food to creating innovative solutions to address global food challenges, food biotechnology has the potential to benefit millions of people worldwide.