Food Safety
“All people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to ensure their dietary needs and preferences to lead active and healthy lives.”
Food safety refers to the hygienic and sanitary safety of food and feed from the perspective of integrated environmental supply chain.
The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” (IZS-Teramo) plays a crucial role in safeguarding food safety, acting as a Collaborating Centre for food safety for the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). As the National Reference Laboratory for several diseases and contaminants—including brucellosis, dioxins and PCBs in feed and food intended for human consumption, Campylobacter and Listeria monocytogenes—the Institute ensures high standards in the surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases and foodborne contaminants.
Aware of the challenges that climate change poses to food safety, IZS-Teramo conducts in-depth research on the effects of temperature and humidity variations on food production and preservation, contributing to the development of adaptation strategies to ensure the quality and safety of food products.
The Institute is also actively involved in the ongoing training of food sector professionals, offering dedicated courses on food safety. These educational programmes aim to provide knowledge on the main hazards associated with the primary production of plant-based foods and on prevention methods, promoting safe practices throughout the entire food supply chain.
As part of its food surveillance activities, IZS-Teramo monitors the possible presence of banned antibiotics in food of animal origin, ensuring compliance with European regulations and protecting consumer health. This commitment guarantees that products placed on the market are free from unauthorised pharmacological residues, helping to maintain high food safety standards.
Through these activities, the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise confirms its role as a point of reference in the promotion of food safety, protecting public health and ensuring the quality of food across the entire production chain.
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Highlighted
Questionario sulla proprietà responsabile del cavallo
Vai al progettoIndagine sulla proprietà responsabile del cavallo, con particolare riguardo agli aspetti di biosicurezza in scuderie, maneggi, ippodromi e allevamenti equini.
Vai al progettoAll Projects
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Bacteriology and Bacterial Antigen Development
Go to the UnitThe Unit focuses on the research and diagnosis of bacterial pathogens, with particular attention to foodborne pathogens and the analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Its diagnostic services include advanced bacterial identification (MALDI-TOF, PCR, WGS), antibiotic susceptibility testing, monitoring of veterinary drugs, and molecular diagnostics. The laboratory also participates in innovative national and international research projects on zoonoses, bacterial vaccine development, and AMR surveillance, aiming to contribute to improvements in global public and veterinary health.
Food Chemistry and Drug Residues
Go to the UnitThe Unit conducts analyses to detect residues of pharmacologically active substances in animal-derived products intended for human consumption and veterinary drugs in animal feed. Its activities also include the monitoring of chemical additives in food and feed, the assessment of composition and preservation status, the detection of toxic substances in cases of suspected animal poisoning, and the monitoring of veterinary medicines available on the market.
Food Hygiene and Technology
Go to the UnitThe unit conducts analytical investigations on food for human and animal consumption, performing tests to identify and quantify pathogenic microorganisms and hygiene indicators in food production processes. It also carries out analyses for the detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). The unit handles the genotypic characterization of foodborne pathogens to support epidemiological investigations and trace the sources of foodborne infections. It provides scientific consultancy and training for official laboratories and competent authorities, while collaborating in its areas of scientific expertise.
Microbiological Food Safety
Go to the LaboratoryThe Laboratory provides technical and scientific support to official control authorities, agri-food companies, and consumers to ensure the safety of food intended for both humans and animals.
Chemical Food and Environmental Safety
Go to the LaboratoryThe Laboratory is primarily engaged in the detection of residues, contaminants, and chemical additives in food and feed, as well as in assessing their composition and preservation status. The laboratory also conducts research and experimental activities for the development of new analytical methods applied to food products, with a focus on evaluating the potential risks of human exposure to chemical contaminants and residues. Additionally, it participates in technical assistance programmes to support third countries.
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National Reference Laboratory for Persistent Halogenated Organic Pollutants in Feed and Food
Go to the LaboratoryThe monitoring and detection of halogenated persistent organic pollutants, chemical compounds known for...
National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter
Go to the LaboratoryThe National Reference Laboratory for Campylobacter serves as a technical and scientific hub that ensures...
National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes
Go to the LaboratoryThe National Reference Laboratory for Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for collaborating with the...