Newswise — Theron "Tee" Downes, Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University, was elected Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Fellow in 2009 for his studies in, and lifelong commitment to, the field of food packaging.
Fellow is a unique professional distinction conferred on individuals with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience for their contributions to the food science and technology field. The nominee must have been an IFT Member for 15 years and a Professional Member at the time of nomination. The 15-year member requirement may be waived by the Fellows Jury for those nominees who have spent all or a portion of their careers outside the United States.
More than 40 years ago, Downes conducted pioneering studies on migration of chemicals from plastics into foods to help identify the risks associated with food packaging. During his career, he was frequently called upon to create innovative packaging solutions for the food industry, including specially designed aseptic packaging for Yoo-Hoo drink products and a liquid nitrogen injection system to maintain pressure in aluminum cans. Additionally, he was instrumental in improving package seal integrity as it relates to shelf life and permeability for multiple food products.
Downes shared his expertise in packaging design and selection on a global level through the establishment of a program of assistance to the food industry in Northern Ireland.
IFT has conferred the Fellow designation on a select number of Professional Members every year since 1970. A complete list of Fellows can be found on the IFT Web site at: http://www.ift.org/cms/?pid=1000287.
About IFT
Founded in 1939, the Institute of Food Technologists is a nonprofit scientific society with more than 20,000 individual members working in food science, food technology, and related professions in industry, academia, and government. IFT serves as a conduit for multidisciplinary science thought leadership, championing the use of sound science through knowledge sharing, education, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.IFT.org.
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