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Documentation of the MolSpec-Project
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Title: |
Development
of quantitative and qualitative molecular biological methods to
identify plant and animal species in foods (MOLSPEC-ID). |
Contract number: |
QLK1-2001-02373 |
Contract type: |
Shared Cost Project |
Starting date: |
December 1st, 2001 |
Duration: |
36 Months |
Scientific Officer: |
Jean-Marc Chourot |
Project website: |
http://www.bats.ch/molspec/ |
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BACKGROUND
Recent investigations
demonstrated that fraudulent replacement of food components as well
as adverse reaction to unexpected food ingredients are quite common
problems. Up to now official methods for the detection of plant and
animal species in foods are exclusively based on protein analysis. The
project aims to develop DNA-analytical methods for qualitative and quantitative
identification of plant and animal species in foods to monitor product
safety and traceability. The project includes the comparison of nucleic
acid-based methods with protein-based ones. A research aspect will be
enhancing throughput by introducing multiplex-PCR, PCR-ELISA and chip
technology. Four methods for several species will be validated in interlaboratory
studies. Furthermore a public database will be established containing
information about methods to identify plant and animal species in foods.
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OBJECTIVES
Main objectives
of the project will be the development of methods suited for the monitoring
of potential allergenic compounds, fraud and to ensure correct labelling.
Thus a panel of species in foodstuffs will be investigated which might
play a role in this regard. The project includes two aspects: development
of qualitative methods which are useful to identify a broad variety
of different species including exotic species, species of regional interest
and hidden potential allergenic compounds. Quantitative methods will
be developed with respect to threshold values for supporting the surveillance
of legal requirements. Research will be performed on the following aspects:
enhancing sample throughput and applicability and comparison of DNA
with protein analytical methods. Four methods will be validated in interlaboratory
studies. In addition a database will be developed including all information
to identify species in foodstuffs.
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(EXPECTED)
RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
- Recommendations
on sample preparation suited also for quantitative analysis.
- Development of quantitative DNA- and protein- based methods as well
as quantitative methods.
- Development of methods enhancing throughput in food analysis.
- Comparison between protein- and DNA-based methods.
- Evaluation of four methods in interlaboratory studies.
- Establishing a database, containing these methods.
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Summarized ProgressReport
of EC Research Project QLK1-CT-2001-02373 MolSpec-ID [110 KB] You are here: Molspec Project > Introduction © Copyright MolSpec
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