The UP4HEALTH project proudly participated in the 22nd World Congress of Food Science and Technology/IUFoST Conference, held from September 8th to 13th, 2024, in Rimini, Italy. The conference, under the theme “The Future of Food is Now: Development, Functionality & Sustainability”, gathered researchers, scientists, and industry experts to explore innovations in food science with a focus on sustainable development and functionality.

During the event, Maame Ekua Manful from the TU Dublin team delivered an insightful oral presentation titled “Microbial Safety, In Vitro Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Assessment of Valorised Xylo-oligosaccharides Derived from Almond Shells for Use in the Food and Nutraceutical Sectors.” This presentation highlighted the groundbreaking work being done within UP4HEALTH, focusing on the potential of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) extracted from almond shells—a sustainable byproduct of the food industry. These valorised XOS have promising applications in the food and nutraceutical sectors, contributing to the shift toward more sustainable, functional ingredients.

The presentation addressed critical factors, such as the microbial safety, as well as cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these XOS, ensuring that they meet the highest standards for safety and efficacy in human consumption. This work represents a significant step forward in promoting the circular economy by valorizing agricultural byproducts for high-value applications.

With over 200 poster presentations and hundreds of oral sessions, the IUFoST conference provided a platform to share the innovative findings of the UP4HEALTH project, aligning with global efforts to enhance food sustainability and functionality.