The Department of Consumer Science at the University of Pretoria (UP) recently unveiled newly renovated food laboratories that will accommodate more students with better equipment.

The labs previously had 26 stations in total, but this has now been expanded to 60. Gas stoves have been fitted, in keeping with current commercial trends. The new labs also offer induction cooking and blast freezing, as well as a range of food science equipment for modern research and training. The labs have been designed to be trendy, ergonomic and user-friendly, with industrial-grade equipment and surfaces.

'Culinary research is a growing area which can be expanded with new facilities and modern, up-to-date equipment. This puts UP at the forefront of culinary art and science training, and enables future graduates to contribute to consumer food-product and services development,' says Dr Gerrie du Rand, Head of the Food and Nutrition section of the Department.

The BSc (Culinary Science) degree offered by UP is the only degree of its kind in southern Africa.