A lifetime investigating the nutritional benefits of dairy food has seen an Australian researcher honoured with a major international scientific award.

Queensland-based Dr Peter Parodi was awarded the Danisco International Dairy Science Award by the American Dairy Science Association today (July 9) in Indianapolis.

Dr Parodi, 74, is a world expert in dairy nutrition, particularly the role of dairy fat in human health.
The award will be accepted on his behalf by Professor Dale Bauman of Cornell University, who will give the award address outlining Dr Parodi’s contribution to dairy science and nutrition, and where his discoveries have led other scientists.

In 1977, he was the first person to discover the presence and determine the structure of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – a major form of trans fatty acids in milk fat.

His work spans five decades uncovering the positive health benefits – and possibly the cancer-fighting properties – of dairy foods.

Dr Parodi’s work in determining the structure and composition of milk fat was so important that in 1998 he was given the honour of naming a major trans fatty acid found in milk, which he called rumenic acid, after the cows’ stomach system, the rumen.

“For a scientist, exploring the unique properties and health benefits of dairy foods has been very rewarding,” he said.

His research has been supported by Australian dairy farmers through dairy research organisations – most recently Dairy Australia.

Dairy Australia’s Group Manager Value Chain Innovation, Isabel MacNeill, said, “Dr Parodi’s work has helped people understand the importance of dairy in a healthy diet. It has brought new understandings to nutrition. This award honours his dedication and inspiration.”

The annual international research and development award was established in 1980 and is judged by panel drawn from the ADSA.

It recognises outstanding accomplishments in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, technology, and engineering pertaining to the dairy foods industries.

Last year Dr Parodi was honoured with the International Dairy Federation (IDF) award at its world summit in Dublin. He has been a recipient of dairy science’s most prestigious national awards – including the Award of Merit from the Australian Society of Australia and the Loftus Hill Dairy Science Award twice.