Program duration: 25/07/2018 - 25/08/2021

QuaAuthentic_GR

Development of innovative “tools” to determine the authenticity of basic exportable Greek products of high added value: Raising the awareness of consumers and professionals.

Prolepsis is the coordinator of the QuaAuthentic_GR project (25/07/2019-25/02/2021, code: Τ1ΕΔΚ-05678). The project is co‐financed by the European Regional Development Fund of the European Union and Greek national funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, under the call RESEARCH – CREATE – INNOVATE.

QuaAuthentic_GR project aims at preventing the adulteration and ensuring the authenticity of olive oil and honey that constitute traditional Greek products of high importance for the national economy and public health. Extra-virgin olive oil is one of the most commonly adulterated food products constitutes the consumable food product with the highest levels of adulteration in Greece as well as worldwide. At the same time, honey stands among the top five adulterated products within EU.

The specific objectives of the QuaAuthentic_GR project are to develop:

  1. Innovative tools to identify the specific qualitative and quantitative characteristics of Greek types of olive oil and honey, verifying their geographical and botanical origin.
  2. A “library” of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of olive oil and honey products, to be classified according to geographical and botanical origin.
  3. Educational material to raise awareness regarding food quality, authenticity and adulteration issues addressed to consumers as well as to producers, food companies and other relevant stakeholders.

To accomplish all the aforementioned, accredited food laboratories, research and academic institutions and food service establishments are to collaborate. The project, following a holistic approach, is expected to have a positive impact on a major public health concern in Greece, related with the adulteration of food products with added valued.

Contact information

Matina Kouvari, MSc, PhD: m.kouvari@prolepsis.gr

Coordinator:
Institute of Preventative Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis

Partners:
Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, AUA

Erganal, The Food Testing Laboratory, ERGANAL

SEVITEL