Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SAFFI (Safe Food for Infants in the EU and China)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2020-09-01 al 2022-02-28
WP2- In order to improve hazard control and risk mitigation, SAFFI first focused on the impact of High-Pressure Processing (HPP) on the fate of key chemicals and the behaviour of main pathogens on apple-based fruit puree. Based on the collection of scientific information, a predictive model has already enabled the definition of HPP conditions validating this technology for pasteurization. A meta-analysis identified and quantified the effect of factors determining microbial inactivation in fruit puree while plating-based method enabled to assess sublethal damage due to HPP on major pathogens. Experiments on the impact of HPPs on the chemical hazards of apple-based fruit purees showed that HPPs did not induce the neoformation of HMF, nor the transfer of migrants from the material in contact with food.
WP3- In order to enhance chemical hazard detection and discovery, the different samples that will be collected and analysed in this WP were determined. These include raw material to end products, spiked samples, incurred samples. In order to enhance the targeted surveillance of known priority contaminants, several bio- and chemo-analytic methods have been identified and/or developed. Focus was on high-throughput, cost effective and robust targeted approaches for detection of priority contaminants. Work has been initiated to develop a sample pooling approach on several contaminant/food pairs. In parallel, non-targeted analytical chemistry- and bioassay-based methods for non-suspected/unknown substances have been identified and developed. A quality control and validation structure has been set up which is currently evaluated by partners.
WP4- In order to enhance the detection of microbial hazard and to improve the prediction of their behaviour, the presence, distribution and prevalence of target foodborne was analysed in the samples which have been collected until now. Targeting infant cereals, samples are represented by raw materials, intermediates and final products but also collected from the production environment. So far, the work has been focused on the determination of presence/absence of target pathogens. Collection of relevant metadata will allow an analysis of distribution in time and space. With a view to upgrading predictive models by implementing omics data; preliminary discussions and decisions regarding the experimental plan relating to the stress/adaptation conditions the lethal conditions and the microorganism to test have taken place during the monitoring period.
WP5- In order to proceed to the integration of Decision Support Systems (DSS), the process of collecting data requirements and developing models is ongoing in WP1-4, working directly to the development of models that will be integrated into a single and upgradable DSS. Data profiling was performed to analyse the collected and generated data. This involves the mapping of variables and the creation of metadata, and allows the identification of dependencies and commonalities between datasets. Next, the logistics of building real-world models from this data are explored by developing conceptual and logical data models, using entity relationships and data flow diagrams. Initial data profiling has taken place for two WP, one of which has progressed to the conceptual model development stage.
SAFFI will contribute to ensure and enhance the transparency and reliability of food safety along the food chain with regard to international trade. SAFFI will also i) enhance the capacity of operators along the chain to detect, assess and mitigate food safety risks; ii) improve the efficiency of the official controls and iii) contribute to standard setting and regulatory cooperation in the EU and China.