DFRL unveils food products for forces, Gaganyaan astronauts

The Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) under the aegis of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has come out with space food products for the astronauts who will be going on the first ever human space mission, Gaganyaan.

DFRL showcased an array of food products on Friday at the Aero India 2021, some of which are to undergo tests.

Dr Rudra Gowda, scientist at the DRDO said that DFRL is a force behind the forces. The DFRL has come out with a milk testing kit meant for detection of adulteration and microbial quality. "We have done an elaborate study before coming out with these products.

The strip based testing kits are meant to detect the presence of added adulterants like urea, boric acid, pulverised soap, detergents, hydrogen peroxide, starch and neutralisers," he told The Hans India. "Gowda added that the kit was developed last year. We have made it for the armed forces. But this could be used by the civilians as well," he added.

DFRL has come out with 42 food products. DFRL is also developing a multi menu to cater to the taste buds of the armed forces deployed in different regions across the country.

Another scientist working with the organisation, Dr Palmurugan apprised about the development of edible cutlery.

"Edible cutlery has been developed in the form spoons, fork soup spoons using food materials such as starch and fibers. Edible cutlery can be made to impart taste and texture using different flavour and colour with food ingredients of plant origin," he said.

Showing biodegradable glass Palmurugan said the glasses can be used by the animals as food.

"It has been developed recently. We are going for a test," he added. For the troops serving in the high altitude region, DFRL has come out with rechargeable self heating food warmer. Gowda stated that as the temperature tends to freeze the MRE food packets making it unfit for consumption by the soldiers.

The reheating time is approximately 15 minutes. It provides adequate temperature to in pack food pouches. The trials have been conducted at various army units at Jodhpur, Northern command Udhampur. Jammu and Kashmir, Bengaluru.