RSSL to launch kids’ food design project

Children from Hillside Primary School, Reading are to gain an insight into food manufacture as part of a project sponsored by Reading Scientific...

Children from Hillside Primary School, Reading are to gain an insight into food manufacture as part of a project sponsored by Reading Scientific Services (RSSL).

Scientists, technologists and food experts from RSSL will work with eight teams of two to three pupils on food design projects. The work is designed to help the children understand key aspects of food safety and nutrition, and the environmental impact of global food distribution and packaging. The children will also gain other useful experience, such as learning how to manage project budgets, according to RSSL. In addition, the project will look at the role of allergens in food and the dietary impacts of the product they design.

The company will sponsor all the materials and resources for the project as well as prizes for the winning groups. Children will also be treated to a tour of the high-tech laboratories on September 21, where RSSL routinely investigates and analyses food and drink products and helps companies with new product development.

RSSL’s head of food business development Jane Staniforth said: “We wanted to do something special to mark RSSL’s 20th birthday. We feel we have done this by creating an exciting and informative food development project that children can literally get their teeth into.”

Head teacher Andrew Griffin added: “This is an exciting opportunity for the children at Hillside. RSSL have been fantastic this year, supporting the school through different projects. Their support for this project next year will allow the children at Hillside to develop a range of new skills and gain a rich understanding of food design, packaging and issues associated with food design and marketing. We hope the children develop their own entrepreneurial skills but they must also understand their responsibilities as business people to the consumer and to the community.”