Prof. J.F.R. (Ryk) Lues

Prof. J.F.R. (Ryk) Lues

NRF Rating: C Professor of Environmental Health
Qualifications: MSc (Microbiology) | PhD (Food Science)

Professional Background

Prof. J.F.R. (Ryk) Lues specialises in the field of food safety culture (FSC), which encompasses the shared values, beliefs, and attitudes that shape the behaviours and decision-making of individuals and organisations regarding food safety. Cultivating a positive food safety culture is essential for reducing the incidence of foodborne illness and ensuring the overall safety and integrity of the food supply chain.

With extensive experience bridging academia and industry, Prof. Lues has presented papers and lectures on food safety culture both nationally and internationally. He has authored numerous publications and actively supervises master’s and doctoral students, fostering the next generation of environmental health professionals.

Professional Leadership & Industry Impact

  • Regulatory Development: Served on committees establishing national safety regulations and specifications for food products.
  • Legal Advisory: Participated on legal advisory teams providing expert guidance on food safety matters.
  • Innovation: Actively involved in various innovation and commercialisation projects within the food science sector.

Areas of Expertise

  • • Food Safety Culture
  • • Food Waste and Sustainability
  • • Food Microbiology
  • • Novel Product Development
  • • Vulnerable Food Environments

Selected Publications

Top Journal Articles

  • • Manyi-Loh, C.E., Okoh, A.I. & Lues, R. 2022. Antibiotic resistance in Listeria monocytogenes isolates recovered from anaerobic co-digestion sludge in a single stage steel bio-digester: Implications in antimicrobial stewardship. Microorganisms, 11(3), 725.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030725 →
  • • Theisinger, S.M., De Smidt, O. & Lues, J.F.R. 2021. Categorisation of culturable bioaerosols in a fruit juice manufacturing facility. PLOS ONE, 16(4), e0242969.
    https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0242969 →
  • • Anelich, L., Lues, J.F.R., Farber, J. & Parreira, V. 2020. SARS-CoV-2 and Risk to Food Safety. Frontiers in Nutrition.
    https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.580551 →
  • • Nkhebenyane, J. & Lues, J.F.R. 2020. The Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Food Handlers in Central SA hospices. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 8, 2598–2607.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1499 →
  • • Manyi-Loh, C.E., Okoh, A.I. & Lues, R. 2022. Prevalence of multidrug resistant bacteria (enteropathogens) recovered from a blend of pig manure and pine wood saw dust during anaerobic co-digestion in a steel biodigester. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Contact Us
Prof. J.F.R. (Ryk) Lues

Prof. J.F.R. (Ryk) Lues

+27 (0)51 507 3145
rlues@cut.ac.za