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Safe and fast control system for acrylamide in food

Project description

Acrylamide detection made easy

Frying, baking and broiling carbohydrates create a carcinogenic chemical called acrylamide in food. Found in starchy foods, this human neurotoxin, which is classified as a probable carcinogen, is formed when carbohydrates (potato crisps, French fries, breads, cereals and snack foods) are cooked at temperatures above 121 °C. In 2018, the EU implemented a directive that urges food operators to closely monitor the presence of acrylamide in foodstuffs. The EU-funded AFREELAMIDE project provides a non-invasive, fast, accurate and cheaper detection device that uses near-infrared spectroscopy technology.

Objective

Acrylamide is a human neurotoxin classified as a probable carcinogen. It is present in heat-processed foods high in carbohydrate, such as snack foods, potato crisps, breads, cereal products, and coffee. Therefore acrylamide is considered a public health risk.

Since April 2018, a new EU directive has entered into force, which urges food operators to monitor the presence of acrylamide in foodstuffs. However, existing acrylamide detection techniques rely on time-consuming, expensive and complex assays that are only conducted to a few samples of products in the laboratory.

Our INNOVATION provides a non-invasive, rapid, robust, accurate and 5x cheaper inspection system adapted for at-line and real-time monitoring. AFREELAMIDE is a detection device that uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to efficiently inspect food piece one by one and detect acrylamide.

The PROTOTYPE is currently at TRL6 and we intend to conduct several assessments under the umbrella of the SMEI Phase-1 project, before moving further. These will include experimental trials with an industrial operator (Siro Group), among others.

The AFREELAMIDE solution will be marketed by local, national and international distributors (including online distribution) with a consolidated network and experience, which are paid out commissions. Estimated Unit selling price AFREELAMIDE: 20.000€. According to financial assumptions, sales will reach more than 8 million € by 2025 with 11 employees.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

CENTAUREA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SOCIEDAD LIMITADA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 50 000,00
Address
C/ CIMADEVILLA 17-2D
33003 OVIEDO
Spain

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Noroeste Principado de Asturias Asturias
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 71 429,00
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