Food safety

Nitrites and Nitrates in food: european commission reduces limits

The use of nitrites and nitrates is widespread in the production of meat, sausages, cheeses and particularly perishable products, in which they are added with the aim of preventing the development and proliferation of micro-organisms harmful to human health, especially the C. Botulinum. In any case, nitrites and nitrates are not limited to being merely deterrent to microbial proliferation, [...]

Chemical contaminants in food: the new European regulation repealing EC Reg. 2006/1881

On 25 May 2023, the new Chemical Contaminants Regulation will enter into force, definitively repealing Regulation (EC) No 2006/1881. The general objective of the Regulation has remained unchanged and is to set maximum levels for the various contaminants potentially present in the individual product categories, so that foodstuffs listed in Annex I may not be placed on the market, or [...]

Eggs: nutritional and hygienic aspects

Eggs are a nutritious and versatile, relatively cheap and easy-to-find foodstuff that, either directly or as an ingredient in other preparations, characterises the usual diet of a large part of the world's population. Nutritionally, they are a source of protein of high biological value, being complete with all essential amino acids, and are rich in nutrients such as vitamins B12, [...]

Milk expiration

The "fresh" milk that the consumer can buy from the fridge can have a shelf life of about 20 days and maintain the organoleptic and sensory characteristics similar to those of fresh milk. To better understand why we start from the definition of milk, according to the EC Regulation n. 853/2004. Raw milk is defined as "milk produced by the [...]

Chemical food contaminants: MOAH and MOSH

Chemical food contaminants are defined as chemical substances not intentionally added to food and feed that may be present in them as a result of various steps in their processing or transportation. Chemical contaminants are: heavy metals; inhibiting substances; residues of previous plant protection products in primary production; chemical migration substances from contact surfaces and packaging materials that are not [...]

Packaging and communication: information and indications for export

In almost every country in the world, Italian food products are synonymous with quality and excellence, and are particularly appreciated by consumers. For this reason, the foreign market has always been an excellent commercial channel for Italian companies. It is therefore necessary to remember that the label of a food for markets other than ours, has profound differences compared to [...]

HACCP: a guarantee for companies and consumers

The concept of food safety is defined by the EC Regulation n. 178/2002 which establishes the general principles and requirements of food legislation, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and sets procedures in the field of food safety. This concept must have as its first objective necessarily the welfare of the consumer, who must receive a healthy product, free from [...]

Product authenticity and food fraud

Italian food is loved and appreciated all over the world, synonymous with quality, culture and tradition. Precisely for this reason our culinary excellences are often the subject of food fraud and many products passed off with the “made in Italy” brand turn out to be a poor copy of our specialties. Foods that do not comply with food safety standards, [...]

Pet Food: healthy and safe food for our four-legged friends

Over the years, pets are considered real family members and it is increasingly evident that their role in the community is also growing in importance. Most owners are aware of the fundamental function that nutrition has for the health and well-being of their furry companions. Knowledge of the nutritional needs, specific to each stage of the growth of our [...]

Nutrition Labels: how to choose food products in an informed and responsible way

Food labels are the only tool available to the consumer to guide their choices among the crowded supermarket shelves. They represent an effective communication tool and understanding them allows you to make more informed purchases. By providing information on the real characteristics of the product, the ingredients used and the quality, without obviously misleading, food labels allow you to [...]