Islamic Azad University Completes Mechanism for Production of Functional Honey
“Islamic Azad University’s Ardabil branch has developed a comprehensive mechanism in the field of research, production of honey and its products, packaging and production of functional products, including medicinal honeys, honeys with special community goals, including diabetic and MS patients, and achievement of food security in times of crisis,” Mohammad Za’eifizadeh told ANA.
He added that setting up the research department of honey and related industries and providing related laboratory services in cooperation with other units of Islamic Azad University, including Qazvin and Khoi branches, is a big step in the quantitative and qualitative improvement of this industry, attracting foreign investors, forming skill courses and awarding valid academic and technical professional degrees.
“It is also a way to increase the university's income,” Za’eifizadeh said.
In a relevant development in 2023, researchers at a knowledge-based company in Iran stationed at Shahid Beheshti University’s Science and Technology Park had also succeeded in production of honey in medical and food grades.
Patenting and acquiring the know-how for bee pollen supplement production process (with a certificate of authenticity, health, quality and plant origin) in cooperation with Hadi Maleki, a faculty member of Biological Sciences and Technology department of Shahid Beheshti University, as well as patenting the technical know-how for rating and production of the medicinal-grade honey is one of the achievements of the knowledge-based company.
The company has also been able to gain a license for its product from the Food and Drug Administration of Iran.
Also, researchers of the company have cooperated with the Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran and the Tehran General Directorate of Standards in compiling the national and international standards for bee products.
Functional foods cover a variety of foods. Minimally processed, whole foods along with fortified, enriched or enhanced foods, can all be functional foods. Generally, these foods have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed on a regular basis and at certain levels.
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