Ulaanbaatar,
April 14, 2026 /MONTSAME/. President
Khurelsukh Ukhnaa visited the Food Research and Development Institute of the
Mongolian University of Science and Technology on April 13, 2026, as part of
the “Food Revolution” national campaign.
Mongolia
previously had a Food Research and Design Institute, but it was privatized
during the transition to a market economy, leaving the country without a
specialized research institution in the food sector. In response, the Food
Research and Development Institute was established in 2024 under the State
Great Khural Resolution on Measures on Ensuring Food Supply and Safety.
The
institute operates laboratories in food chemistry, rheology, product
development, instrumental analysis, and molecular biology. Its activities
include developing import-substituting, nutritious, and health-promoting food
products, supporting innovation, building and enriching a food composition
database, conducting molecular biology research, and developing and localizing
high-sensitivity analytical methods.
Many
countries worldwide, including 12 in Asia, maintain integrated food composition
databases. Such databases provide a foundation for improving public nutrition
and dietary education, supporting the development of the food and agriculture
sectors, promoting exports, and enhancing the value of domestic products
through accurate assessment of their nutritional content.
Due
to the lack of modern research infrastructure and qualified personnel, Mongolia
has not yet joined the FAO’s International Network of Food Data Systems
(INFOODS). According to Institute Director Dr. Purevjav M., there is a need to
strengthen human resources, provide advanced laboratory equipment, and expand
capacity.
President
Khurelsukh expressed that he would pay special attention to securing funding to
develop a unified database, conduct research, procure equipment, and establish
a purpose-built facility that meets international standards.
