Food Products That Benefit Health
Biotechnology Offers a Boost to Human Health

“Biotechnology itself has no limits, but the way it is used does,” said Salvador Barber, managing director of Española de I+D (SOS Group). He called for more legislation to limit the use of the latest technology in the field of food products, at IESE’s recent Biotechnology Forum.

Jesús Jiménez, general manager of Puleva Biotech, pointed out some disadvantages of working in the biotechnology sector: a complex legal environment, prolonged product development periods and high levels of cost and risk in the early stages. But it wasn’t all bad news for biotechnology. Participants agreed that biotechnology has contributed significantly to the launch of products that benefit human health.

José Antonio Mateos, director of Danone’s food and nutrition service, said that Actimel, a cultured dairy drink, is the perfect example: It aids digestion and improves the body’s natural defenses. Mateos underlined the growing importance of pro-biotics – food products made from live microorganisms that are beneficial to human health.

Marco A. Delgado, quality and R&D manager at Leche Pascual Group, emphasized the rising demand for foods that assist in the maintenance or improvement of health. The biotech experts and employers also analyzed the positive role played by technical advances in the food sector. New safety and evaluation procedures have been adopted and quality standards have improved, particularly in the meat industry