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NISIR

Food Science Centre

Centre of Excellence • Lusaka, Zambia

Food Science Research Centre (FSRC)

Advancing post-harvest food technologies, nutrition programmes, and quality assurance. Driving food safety, value addition, and product innovation for Zambia's food industry.

About the Centre

The Food Science Research Centre (FSRC) is located at the NISIR Headquarters along the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Road in Lusaka, Zambia. The Centre was established to conduct scientific research and provide technical support in the area of Post-Harvest Food Technologies and Nutrition Programmes.

In addition, the Centre provides comprehensive analytical services to the food industry and the general public, supporting quality control, food safety, and product development initiatives across the country.

Objectives

Conduct scientific research in food science, nutrition, and value addition to indigenous food crops through food processing, preservation, and product development to improve quality of life.
Provide technical expertise in food science and technology through consultancy in food processing, safety, and nutrition.
Offer food analysis as a means of quality control and assurance in raw foods, food products, ready-to-eat foods, water, and swabs.

Our Laboratories

State-of-the-art facilities equipped for comprehensive food quality and safety analysis.

Food Microbiology Lab

Detection and enumeration of pathogens, spoilage organisms, and indicator microbes in food, water, and environmental swabs.

Food Chemistry & Nutrition Lab

Proximate analysis, vitamin and mineral profiling, nutritional labelling, and composition testing for raw and processed foods.

Product Development Lab

Pilot-scale food processing, preservation trials, and formulation of new products from indigenous crops.

Analytical & Consultancy Services

Quality control and assurance for the food industry, regulators, and the public.

Raw Food Analysis

Quality assessment of fresh produce, grains, pulses, meat, dairy, and other unprocessed food commodities.

Processed Food Testing

Compositional analysis, shelf-life studies, and compliance testing for packaged and value-added food products.

Ready-to-Eat Foods

Microbiological and chemical safety testing for catering, fast food, and prepared meal services.

Water Quality Analysis

Potability testing, physicochemical parameters, and microbiological safety for drinking and process water.

Swab & Hygiene Monitoring

Environmental swabbing for surface hygiene, equipment sanitation, and facility cleanliness verification.

Consultancy & Training

Expert advice on food processing, HACCP implementation, nutrition labelling, and food safety management systems.

Research Focus Areas

Driving innovation in post-harvest technologies and indigenous crop valorisation.

Indigenous Crop Value Addition

Processing and product development from traditional Zambian crops such as cassava, sorghum, millet, cowpeas, and groundnuts to enhance food security and income generation.

Post-Harvest Preservation

Research into drying, fermentation, refrigeration, and innovative packaging technologies to reduce post-harvest losses and extend shelf life.

Nutrition & Public Health

Formulation of fortified and nutrient-dense foods to address malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and maternal-child health needs.

Food Safety & Quality Systems

Development of quality assurance protocols, HACCP plans, and laboratory methods to support regulatory compliance and export readiness.

Who We Serve

  • Food processing and manufacturing companies
  • Farmers and agribusiness cooperatives
  • Government ministries (Health, Agriculture, Commerce)
  • Universities and research institutions
  • Hotels, restaurants, and catering services
  • Development partners and NGOs

Partner With Us

FSRC collaborates with national and international partners to advance food science, nutrition security, and food safety in Zambia. We welcome partnerships in research, product development, analytical services, and capacity building.

Food Industry Farmer Cooperatives Nutrition Programmes Universities Export Bodies

Request Analytical or Consultancy Services

Need food testing, product development support, nutrition analysis, or food safety training? Contact the Food Science Research Centre today.

Email: fsr@nisir.org.zm
Address: Food Science Research Centre, NISIR Headquarters, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport Road, Lusaka, Zambia