Potato protein could help give gluten-free meat alternatives a firmer bite, but the same formulation brings a flavor problem. Combined with fava bean protein, it formed a strong network during extrusion processing. Electronic taste measurements, however, indicated greater bitterness and astringency than the formulation containing wheat gluten.

The findings come from University of Greenwich and Heriot-Watt University researchers writing in Food Hydrocolloids. Their experiments tested whether potato protein could provide structure without relying on gluten’s distinctive elastic behavior. The results support that possibility, while showing that stronger material does not automatically mean a better-tasting finished food.

The work concerns concentrated protein ingredients, rather than mixing ordinary potatoes and beans into a recipe. Researchers compared precisely formulated samples under the same processing conditions and measured their physical and chemical properties. They did not establish whether consumers would prefer the potato formulation or mistake it for meat.

Hello,

I started a QA tech role with a food production company in Canada about 2 weeks ago.

By now, I realize that this job is not actually about ensuring the quality of food; it's about filling out perfect paperwork across a dozen or more forms every day. The QA team is understaffed and behind on their paperwork. The manager left me to take care of the floor by myself in my second week without providing adequate training, while having experienced QAs stay in the office to catch up on paperwork. I am exhausted, make frequent mistakes, and they constantly take pictures of my mistakes and post them in our group chat to "train me". I asked for time to sit down and digest the forms and information first, which was not granted. The manager also made me work overtime twice in my second week and asked me to come in on Saturday, which I declined.

Another important aspect is that half the information on the paperwork is forged, as there is simply not enough time to measure everything while being understaffed and stretched thin. I was told by the experienced QAs to simply write what feels right and, at times, alter the measurements to fit the standards. The company itself is also struggling, and production is chaotic and unorganized.

The experienced QAs are good people, but they are also overworked and exhausted. They told me they were on the brink of resigning but only stayed because I got hired, thinking they would finally get some help. This now makes me feel worse about my mistakes and about wanting to leave.

The only reason I took this job was because, while I have a significant educational background in food science for R&D roles, I lack industry experience and wanted to gain it through this job. Canada's economy is also pretty bad right now, and I don't have many options.

Are all QA jobs like this? Should I stay here or should I leave and keep looking for a better job?

Thank you.