Launch of EU Project on Quality and Safety of Fresh-Cut Produce

The QUAFETY project (Comprehensive approach to enhance quality and safety of ready-to-eat fresh products), will be presented by its coordinator Prof. Giancarlo Colelli from University of Foggia to the International Press and to the Industry representatives on February 8th at 3 pm in Berlin (United Fresh stand - Hall 7.2C / Stand A-03 at Freshconex, Messe Berlin).

The project is co-funded by the European Commission (through the 7th Framework Program), by a total contribution of about 3 million Euros and involves 14 partners, of which 6 Universities, 2 R&D Institutions, and 6 SME, from 7 different countries, as follow:

Università degli Studi di Foggia, Italy
Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
Agricultural University of Athens, Greece
Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Portugal
Cardiff University, United Kingdom
London Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
The Agricultural Research Organisation of Israel – The Volcani Centre, Israel
Instytut Ogrodnictwa, Poland
Markes International Limited, United Kingdom
Distretto Agroalimentare Regionale Scrl, Italy
FreshPlaza Bv, Netherlands
80g Sa, Portugal
Einat Food Industries Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd, Israel
Agronomia Scarl, Italy

The aim of the project is to provide the industry with diagnostic kits, process control and decision-making tools for the prediction and evaluation of microbial contamination, quality and shelf-life in order to improve quality and safety of fresh-cut products.

Beside its scientific and technological implications which will increase the innovation capacity of horticulture and food industry, the project was intended as a tool to expand consumer awareness about safety aspects related with the consumption of RTE fresh produce, and represent a reference point for health authorities and specialized media when covering quality and safety aspects of RTE fresh F&V, having the dissemination activities as a priority.

Future information about the results of the project will be found on the website: www.quafety.eu