The Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) is jointly implementing a project with the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to develop and field test its ready-to-eat products as food rations for men in uniform during combat and high-risk operations.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the Packaging Technology Division of the DOST-ITDI is closely coordinating with the Philippine Army and PNP to fully implement the project.
Among the DOST-ITDI’s retort foods that undergo field testing are steamed rice, chicken adobo, adobong kangkong, beef curry, chicken afritada, and bangus sisig.
“The project will also establish the process schedule for the RTE foods, shelf-life simulating storage conditions, handling and distribution of food rations in combat operations, label design and transport packaging,” de la Peña said.
He said sensory evaluation of RTE chicken adobo has already been conducted with 25 military and civilian officers and technical staff as panelists.
“The product was evaluated as very acceptable in terms of texture, odor, and taste,” the DOST chief said.
He said comments from the panelists were noted and considered in the reformulation of the product.
Last month, the DOST announced the development of RTE chicken soup under its “Pack of Hope” brand, seven years after it developed its RTE arroz caldo.
The newly developed food product aims to meet the food and nutrition needs of the country’s most vulnerable sectors, including children and elderly during disasters and calamities.
Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/28/pack-of-hope-dost-develops-ready-to-eat-chicken-corn-soup-for-elderly-children/