Safe organic vegetables and vegetable products by reducing risk factors and sources of fungal contaminants throughout the production chain: the carrot - alternaria model

Objective

European agriculture is confronted with a growing demand of consumers for organic vegetables. However, undesirable components such as mycotoxins, fungal poisons which can produce toxic syndromes in humans and animals, pose a challenge to the safety of organic vegetable products. The overall objective of this proposal is to develop strategies to ensure a safe organic food supply by developing detection . methods, anticipating mycotoxin risks, tracing the sources of contaminants in the food production chain, and eliminating the risk factors. The research will be done with the model carrot-Alternaria, the latter fungus being a known producer of harmful myctoxins. This will result in safe organic carrots and processed products, thereby contributing to consumers health and supporting organic farming systems.

Programme(s)

• FP5-LIFE QUALITY - Specific Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Quality of life and management of living resources", 1998-2002

Topic(s)

• 1.1.1.-1. - Key action Food, Nutrition and Health

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

PLANT RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL B.V.

Address

Droevendaalsesteeg 1
Wageningen
Netherlands

Participants (6)

AUGUST CIESZKOWSKI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY IN POZNAN

Poland

Address

Ul. Wojska Polskiego 28
60 637 Poznan

DAEHNFELDT A/S

Denmark

Address

Faaborgvej 248B
5100 Odense

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF ITALY

Italy

Address

Piazzale Aldo Moro 7
00185 Roma

RIJK ZWAAN ZAADTEELT EN ZAADHANDEL B.V .

Netherlands

Address

Burg. Crezeelaan 40
2678 ZG De Lier

THE ROYAL VETERINARY AND AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Denmark

Address

13,Buelowsvej 17
1870 Frederisksberg

VILMORIN S.A.

France

Address

Rue Du Manoir
49250 La Menitre