Joint Research Project

FunShield4Med has foreseen a complementary joint research project (Tasks 2.3 & 3.2) to propose proper sampling schemes and testing protocols as well as pro-active measures to protect the health of consumers from mycotoxin contaminants. Such knowledge will strengthen the Mediterranean food value chain and will contribute to the support of Mediterranean products’ quality, healthy food consumption and consumer’s trust, all underpinned to the relevant theme of Agri-Food Value Chain of the Mediterranean area. From the research project’s results and outcomes, the early detection and preventive measures to mycotoxin contamination will contribute to a more resilient production and will create an increased awareness of Climate Change effect on mycotoxigenic fungi in Mediterranean crops.

Training at advanced partners will include analyses of samples obtained from Greece within the joint research project to facilitate a more comprehensive interaction and knowledge exchange. The current status of the different mycotoxins’ prevalence will be initially evaluated by an extended literature and scientific report review to pinpoint the mycotoxins and food products of interest. In continuance, the presence of parent, emerging, and/or modified mycotoxins, in key food products will be evaluated by applying selected analytical methods for their single- and/or multi-detection as reported in Task 2.2. More specifically, traditional Mediterranean food products such as wine, nuts and fruits, with high import and export dynamics in region trade will be analyzed to determine the current mycotoxin status with the collaboration of the laboratories of the project participating parties. The developed datasets, apart their exploitation through QMEA of current project (Task 3.2), will also be communicated to relevant authorities.