In June, we successfully trained five staff members from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Universidade Lúrio (UniLúrio) to use and validate the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) laboratory machine for determining mycotoxins and pesticides in food samples. Dr. Benard Aliwa, Catherine Ngunju, and Grace Werikhe from UoN, along with Dr. Acácio Salamandane and Isac Presse from UniLúrio, participated in a one-month training program at the University of Helsinki, where we provided hands-on, practical experience in the laboratory. This training was part of the staff exchange under the FoodLeader project.
We are also making progress in renovating laboratory facilities at both institutions to ensure the smooth installation and usage of the new GC-MS machine. Currently, we are preparing for the delivery of the machine to UoN.
We have finalized the first version of the digital Dietary and Food Safety Assessment Tool (DASAT), with significant progress made on the dietary part and ongoing updates to the food hazard part. The aim of the DASAT web app is to collect and analyze diet and food safety data that can be used for teaching and research purposes. This includes a database that integrates nutrient composition data with concentrations of chemical food hazards, enabling the simultaneous calculation of both nutrient intakes and exposure to food safety hazards. The DASAT web app presents the data through various tables and interactive figures.
In addition, we have completed the first set of upgraded food photographs, which will be used in the upcoming training and data collection in Nampula, Mozambique. These photographs will complement the existing Kenyan Food Atlas which both will be used during the training and data collection in Nampula.
We have developed new digital educational materials to teach students from University of Helsinki (UH), UoN, and UniLúrio how to address food safety and nutrition security challenges from a food systems perspective, within the framework of sustainable development. The materials created so far focus on food systems, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement and communication.
The materials have been added to the FoodLeader's DigiCampus platform, which will be made available to students later in the project. In addition to the educational materials and assessments, the aim of the platform is also to foster interaction between lecturers and students from UH, UoN and UniLúrio.
We are finalizing preparations for training sessions in Nairobi, Kenya, and Nampula, Mozambique, where we will collect data from schools to assess the nutritional quality and safety of school meals. The training sessions are scheduled to begin in mid-September in Nairobi and at the end of September in Nampula. The collected data will primarily be used in a practical course for students planned for next spring.
Ethical approvals for the study protocols have already been secured from both institutions. Additionally, schedules and logistical arrangements have been finalized to ensure the smooth execution of the training sessions and data collection process.
- Trained Laboratory Technologists: We successfully trained five laboratory technologists and staff members from UoN and UniLúrio on the use and validation of GC-MS machine for analyzing mycotoxins and pesticides in food samples.
- First Version of DASAT Completed: The first version of the Dietary Assessment and Safety Analysis Tool (DASAT) has been finalized. Significant progress was made on the dietary assessment component, with ongoing updates being made to the food hazard section.
- Development of Educational Materials: We developed learning materials on food systems, sustainable development, and stakeholder engagement. These materials have been integrated into the FoodLeader DigiCampus online platform.
- Finalizing Preparations for Training Sessions in Nairobi and Nampula: We are finalizing preparations for training sessions starting in September, during which we will collect data from schools on the nutritional quality and safety of school meals.