Food science and technologies

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, [...]

MOCA, food contact materials

Food Contact Materials: how active and intelligent packaging can improve food shelf life and reduce food waste

The Food Contact Materials sector (FCM) is particularly suited to technological innovation. The so-called "active" and "intelligent" packaging allows interesting applications in food packaging that promote a substantial increase in the commercial life of packaged food. Regulation (EC) 450/2009 defines specific rules for active and intelligent materials and objects in addition to the general rules of Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 [...]

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 [...]

Packaged foods: how to increase shelf life

The UNI 10534-2005 standard defines shelf life as the period of time that corresponds, under certain storage conditions, to a tolerable decrease in food quality. It essentially defines the suitability for food use, contextualizing itself in a wider discourse that takes into consideration the chemical-physical, organoleptic, enzymatic and microbiological characteristics of the product. In the degradation process of a food [...]

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 [...]

Food supplements: a contribution to well-being

Food supplements are defined by sector legislation (Directive 2002/46 / EC, implemented with the legislative decree 21 May 2004, n. 169) as: "Food products intended to supplement the common diet and which constitute a concentrated source of nutrients , such as vitamins and minerals, or other substances having a nutritional or physiological effect, in particular, but not exclusively, amino [...]

Preserves: how to avoid the dangers in home preparations

One of the most ancient Italian culinary traditions that still finds a great use today for its typical territorial characteristics is the preparation of domestic preserves: vegetables and vegetables in oil, pickled or in brine, jams with all types of fruit, sauces. Domestic preserves are not difficult preparations, but they can become “dangerous” or in any case represent a risk [...]