FoodTraNet has made significant progress in advancing food safety, quality, and traceability through an integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Key achievements include:
- Integration of Advanced Analytical Platforms: A unified analytical platform was established across partner institutions, harmonizing complementary MS-based techniques, including IRMS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, HRMS, and MSI. These optimized methods supported the characterization of food contaminants, authenticity markers, and bioactive compounds. Stable isotope and multi-elemental profiling enabled effective differentiation between organic and conventional foods and assessment of geographic origin. A novel LC-MS/MS method allowed the simultaneous quantification of pesticides and mycotoxins in bee pollen, improving food safety assessments. The project also pioneered non-targeted screening workflows using HRMS to detect emerging contaminants, supporting comprehensive exposure assessments. MALDI and MALDI-2 MSI were used to map molecular markers in complex matrices such as mushrooms, plant-based food, leaves and aquatic organisms, supporting applications such as microplastic detection and food authenticity through compositional profiling.
- Creation and Upgrading of Research Databases: Robust, accessible databases were developed or expanded, including IsoFoodTrack (www.isofoodtrack.ijs.si) a comparative database of bioactive compounds in organic vs. conventional foods, and a repository of emerging contaminants detected using non-target screening, supporting risk assessment and regulatory readiness.
- Data Integration and Multivariate Analysis: Multivariate analysis with machine learning enhanced data interpretation, enabling robust classification and traceability models.
- Valorization of Alternative Food Sources and Sustainability: Functional and alternative food sources were explored, including developing bioactive-enriched cheeses, safety assessments of edible insects and plant-based foods, and alpine herbs as sustainable feed additives. Environmental research addressed micro/nanoplastics’ interactions with pesticides and plants and the reuse of treated wastewater for crops.
- Technological Innovations in Food Safety and Packaging: Innovations included edible photonic barcodes for real-time quality monitoring, fluorescent nano-sensors and gas sensors for pesticide residue and spoilage detection, smart polymers for selective extraction of contaminants, and bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial packaging, demonstrating the intersection of nanotechnology and material science.
- Consumer Engagement and Trust-Building: Digital platforms and participatory communication strategies were developed to improve consumer understanding of food authenticity and sustainable production.
Dissemination and exploitation: Efforts included a dynamic training programme for 15 ESRs, participation in 36 international conferences, and diverse public engagement tools. ESRs participated in 36 international conferences across 15 countries, delivering 55 presentations, resulting in several awards. Outputs included 22 ESR blogs, four newsletters, a project brochure and poster, and a series of podcasts covering topics on mass spectrometry and insights from industrial partners. The project also produced a promotional video and educational tools, such as a children’s food quiz and an e-learning module on advanced statistics. Public engagement was further enhanced through participation in EU Researchers’ Nights, Open Days, and the MSCA Coordinators Info Day.
