Safety and quality of high-risk plant-based foods and meat alternatives

The focus of food safety research has so far been on foods of animal-origin, while the consumption of plant-based foods incl. meat-alternatives is growing rapidly. Only a few complex studies have been conducted worldwide on the microbiological and chemical safety of plant-based products incl. meat alternatives. The project focuses on the assessment of microbiological and chemical hazards of high-risk plant-based foods in Estonia. Product risk categorization is performed and high-risk products identified. The microbiological safety and quality indicators will be determined and related public health risks assessed. Genotyping and antibiotic resistance determination will be performed. Content of mycotoxins, toxic alkaloids, ATP degradation products and oxidation parameters will be studied and conclusions drawn. Results are an important basis for the assessment of new and emerging public health risks, and development of control measures at industry and national food safety control levels.