Project QUAFETY: An EC-funded R&D project on quality and safety of fresh-cut produce

QUAFETY, a collaborative R&D project co-funded by the European Commission, aims to improve safety and quality of ready-to-eat fresh produce throughout the whole chain. Objectives of the proposal will be reached through the realization of 9 Work Packages in three years. There are 14 participants from seven countries, including six small and medium enterprises, two public research institutes and six universities, assorted in terms of scientific and technological expertise. During the first period of activity, interesting results were achieved related to the developments of diagnostic kits to predict quality and safety of raw material and final product, non-destructive and rapid evaluation tools, and innovative processes to improve quality and safety of fresh-cut products. Potential impacts may be related to the increase in scientific evidence about safety and quality, expansion of consumer awareness, increase of the innovation capacity of the industry strengthening its competitiveness, provision of scientific evidence to EC and other health authorities (also for campaigns for healthy nutrition), and a reference point for mass media.