Anti-decay protein research underway

The federal government, together with the Victorian Dairy Industry Authority, will spend more than one million dollars on research into phospho-peptide, an anti-decaying protein.

The three-year research project, which begins in March, will be conducted by the University of Melbourne and Melbourne-based Bonlac Foods.

Researchers hope that the protein, found in milk, will eventually be built into dental products, as well as foodstuffs such as confectionary and soft drinks, to reduce the chance of decay.

Project managers, Bonlac Foods, hope to start full production of the protein by 1994 and to eventually export the product.