Approved projects in the "Securing food and food suply chains" fields
Making sure people have food to eat is a vital factor in social and economic life. However, strategies to secure the food supply chain are having to become more rigorous as globalisation progresses apace. One issue that has to be contended with, for example, is the higher risk of animal-to-human diseases spreading across the globe. Major incidents and natural disasters can also have a detrimental impact on our food supply. To help find answers, the BMBF funded research projects that sought to tackle these complex challenges and drew up strategies on an interdisciplinary basis to prevent or manage the problems.
Completed joint projects:
LEVERA: Food supply and analysis
Funding codes 13N12610 to 13N12613
When foodstuffs become infected with microbes, the time that elapses from when the danger is detected until the pathogen is identified and the degree to which it has spread is determined is crucial. The longer it takes, the more likely consumers are to lose confidence in the infected foodstuff. To solve this issue, the LEVERA project invented an anytime/anywhere, rapid diagnosis system with which pathogenic microorganisms and their toxic substances can be identified swiftly in foodstuffs.
More information (only available in German)
NeuENV: New strategies to ensure sufficient food provisions in the case of crisis
Funding codes 13N12403 to 13N12410
The NeuENV joint project was focusing on the key research question of how continuity in the food supply can be guaranteed in today’s conditions and even in a crisis situation. The NeuENV consortium was transdisciplinary in nature, with project partners representing the entire chain of innovation. They included end users from public authorities and private business, which were participating in the research work. Their input, plus that of other “associate users”, was pivotal to ensuring the project maintains a demand-led approach.
More information (only available in German)
SafeFresh: Innovative monitoring and sterilization methods for ensuring microbiological safety in the production chain for fresh plant-based foods
Funding codes 13N12427 to 13N12431
Ready-prepared fruit and salad products are becoming increasingly popular. However, they are processed in such a way as to preserve the nutrients, which raises the risk of their being contaminated – accidentally or intentionally – with pathogenic microorganisms and bacteria. The objective of the SafeFresh joint project was to devise a comprehensive hygiene strategy to help reduce the public health risk stemming from pathogens in food.
More information (only available in German)
SEAK: Decision support for managing shortages in food supplies
Funding codes 13N12534 to 13N12537
Since a reliable food supply is one of the basic needs of a population, efficient risk management needs to help prevent shortages occurring and to lessen the impact of such shortages. SEAK’s goal was to develop a software package that supports the relevant authorities and enterprises in their efforts to secure the food supply. The software shows users what effects potential logistical, technical and organisational measures would have.
More information (only available in German)
ZooGloW: Zoonoses and food safety along global supply chains
Funding codes 13N13697 to 13N13701
If zoonoses, i.e. pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans, find their way into foodstuffs, the risk to the population can be great. The ZooGloW joint project will therefore examine the threats posed by zoonoses in foodstuffs and formulate prevention strategies, using selected supply chains as examples.
More information (only available in German)