Contaminants and Pesticide Residues
The unit conducts analyses of pesticide residues, inorganic contaminants, and trace elements in food and feed, along with the detection of process contaminants and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It also operates as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants in food for human and animal consumption, carrying out specialised monitoring and analysis in this critical area.
The unit is divided into several specialised sections, each focusing on:
- Pesticide residues in food of animal and plant origin and in feed.
- Inorganic contaminants and trace elements in food matrices.
- Process contaminants in food.
- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food and feed, including activities as the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Halogenated
- Persistent Organic Pollutants in food for human and animal consumption.
The analytical methods employed are based on mass spectrometry and are accredited to ISO 17025 standards, with many of these methods developed and validated in-house.
The unit places a particular emphasis on the monitoring of emerging contaminants due to their toxicity to humans, animals, and the environment — such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), chlorinated paraffins, and rare-earth elements. Research activities include the development of new analytical techniques and the evaluation of human and animal exposure to chemical residues and contaminants in collaboration with the Institute’s Epidemiology Laboratory. The unit actively engages in collaborative projects with national and international research bodies, provides technical consultancy, and delivers training courses for competent authorities and other relevant entities. It also participates in technical assistance programmes for institutions in third countries, contributing to global efforts in food safety and public health protection.
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Giampiero Scortichini
Head
He is an expert in the analysis of residues, chemical contaminants, and additives in food products. His work has focused in particular on issues related to the presence of persistent organic pollutants in the food chain, and he led the National Reference Laboratory for this area for over a decade.
He is an expert in the analysis of residues, chemical contaminants, and additives in food products. His work has focused in particular on issues related to the presence of persistent organic pollutants in the food chain, and he led the National Reference Laboratory for this area for over a decade.
He has coordinated numerous scientific research projects and international technical assistance programmes, and has held teaching positions at the University of Perugia and the University of Teramo.
He is the author of over 70 scientific publications in indexed journals.
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