Shielding food safety and security by enabling the foresight of fungal spoilage and mycotoxins threats in the Mediterranean region under climate change conditions

The overall aim of the FunShield4Med project is to strengthen the scientific excellence and innovation capacity of the Institute of Technology of Agricultural Products (ITAP) of Hellenic Agricultural Organisation DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA) from Greece in the field of food safety against mycotoxigenic spoilage fungi and mycotoxins under climate change challenges.

The strategic collaboration of advanced partners from Italy (University of Parma/Dept of Food and Drug), Spain (University of Lleida/Food Technology Dept), and UK (Cranfield University/Soil and Agrifood Institute), and an internationally-leading University from Greece (National Kapodistrian University of Athens/Dept. of Chemistry) will ensure the knowledge and expertise transfer, help build new research alliances, and enrich, apart from Institutes personnel, as well as young researchers' capacities from all members of the consortium.

In order to achieve the Twinning calls specific objectives the consortium of FunShield4Med will implement a comprehensive set of measures and activities, such as Short term staff exchanges and expert visits, Training workshops, Seminars, Summer schools, and Dissemination and outreach activities.

In addition to the specific objectives of Twinning, a comprehensive research project is foreseen focusing on mycotoxigenic spoilage fungi and mycotoxins in relation to one main EU entry point (Greece) for imports from the South and East (African and Asian countries), to facilitate appropriate surveillance of commodities where mycotoxin contamination may increase because of climate change (CC) factors.

This will minimize exposure of consumer to these toxins and will provide benefits in traceability of both emerging and modified forms of mycotoxins in staple food and drink chains in the context of CC scenarios.