IN A remarkable breakthrough the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation in partnership with Prince of Songkla University delivered 3,000 “innovative meal boxes” that are shelf-stable for 18 months without refrigeration to Silpakorn University for distribution to flood victims, Amarin TV said this evening (Oct. 3).
Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat said the hand over of 3,000 “Grab agro” innovative relief meal boxes for urgent distribution to people suffering from the floods clearly demonstrates that Thai research can genuinely assist society and the nation during times of crisis.
This innovation effectively addresses the needs in disaster-stricken areas. It utilises a production technology that ensures the product is sterile and shelf-stable for up to 18 months without refrigeration. The meals are packaged in trays that separate the rice from the main dish, allowing them to be consumed immediately, even without electricity.
“I would like to commend and thank the executive team at Prince of Songkla University and Silpakorn University’s student council members for establishing a volunteer centre to pack relief kits for deployment to Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Suphan Buri.
“The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation stands ready to support Thai research and innovation as a force for caring for the public, and to join in repairing, rebuilding, and fighting to overcome every crisis,” he said.
These innovative meal boxes are commercially produced by PSU Agro Food Co., Ltd., a holding company of Prince of Songkla University. The company further developed the product based on food innovation research by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saowakon Wattanachant and Ms. Korawan Rodkhem from this university’s Hat Yai campus Faculty of Agro-Industry.
They have continuously accumulated expertise in food solutions for disaster relief since the huge floods in 2011. The menu includes chicken massaman curry, chicken panang curry, mackerel sour curry (kaeng som), spicy stir-fried catfish, garlic chicken, green curry chicken, and stir-fried chicken with holy basil (pad krapow). The products have already received FDA and Halal certifications.
Those interested in donating consumer goods—such as drinking water, canned food, medicines, and personal care items—to assist disaster victims may contact 065-708-9935 or 098-474-4288, or reach out via Silpakorn University student council’s social media channels.
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Top and Front Page: Innovative meal boxes that are shelf-stable for 18 months without refrigeration.
Insert: Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yoschanan Wongsawat. Both photos – Amarin TV
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