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The MyMatch project, coordinated by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza under Horizon Europe programme, investigates the effects of climate change on the proliferation of fungi producing mycotoxins such as Aspergillus and Fusarium. It aims to develop innovative, AI-powered tools that predict and manage these risks throughout the food supply chains for commodities like maize, wheat, tomatoes, and nuts.

MyMatch has developed AI-based predictive models integrating climate data and fungal growth dynamics to forecast mycotoxin contamination risks. Validation studies have demonstrated reliable early-warning capabilities, empowering stakeholders to implement timely mitigation. The use of advanced data analytics combined with participatory stakeholder engagement distinguishes MyMatch, facilitating region-specific solutions and resilience-building against climate-driven mycotoxin risks.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: facilitating thematic stakeholder working groups, supporting participatory processes, and helping integrate MyMatch outputs within broader food safety strategies to enhance European food security and public health.

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UpRise, coordinated by University of Gent (Belgium), focuses on addressing mycotoxin contamination in African food chains by developing risk analysis tools and digital toolkits to empower local stakeholders. The project is promoting targeted risk management strategies in partner African countries, enhancing food system resilience. It combines digital tools with participatory stakeholder approaches adapted to African contexts, a unique combination to strengthen localized food safety governance.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: providing key methodologies and digital toolkit resources originally developed in EU projects, tailored to support local capacity building and cross-continental knowledge sharing.

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HOLiFOOD, coordinated by Wageningen University Research, is a Horizon Europe project introducing an AI- and Big Data-driven holistic system for food safety risk assessment, engaging stakeholders in Living Labs across 10 countries. The project is developing integrated risk assessment methodologies considering socio-economic and environmental factors, enabling comprehensive predictive models and early detection tools for food safety risks. It includes also citizen science and Living Labs in a predictive food safety framework, enhancing stakeholder trust and ensuring adaptable risk management.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: implementing co-creation methodologies and stakeholder engagement platforms, ensuring inclusive decision-making and uptake of HOLiFOOD innovations.

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Led by CNR ISPA and Colle di Seta within the European EIT FOOD RIS program, SENIORFOOD targets food innovation for aging populations by involving consumers aged 65+ in co-creation of tailored food products that meet nutritional and sensory needs. The project’s co-creation labs are delivering new ideas to produce validated nutrient-dense, texture-modified products that improve dietary satisfaction and health outcomes among senior consumers. It pioneers consumer-driven food innovation specifically for elderly demographics, combining scientific research with real-world consumer insights.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: serving as an interface between science, policy, and society, facilitating Consumer Labs, networking, and communication activities to maximize the impact of SENIORFOOD.

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MycoTwin, coordinated by TUBITAK MAM (Turkey), aims to enhance understanding and management of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins along food chains through EU-Turkey collaboration. The project established innovative prevention and remediation strategies informed by EU regulatory standards and generated guidelines disseminated through workshops and stakeholder groups. MycoTwin’s integration of regulatory frameworks with applied research facilitates real-world mitigation practices adaptable across diverse food systems.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: hosting dedicated working groups, promoting knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration to optimize sustainable mycotoxin management strategies.

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FoodSafeR

FoodSafeR, coordinated by FFoQSI (Austria), is a Horizon Europe project uniting 19 partners to develop a comprehensive Open Digital Hub platform for proactive management of emerging food safety risks, including chemical and microbial hazards.
New AI and machine learning tools developed by FoodSafeR effectively identify patterns and early indicators of emerging food safety threats, improving risk detection accuracy and timeliness. The platform also integrates satellite and bioinformatics datasets. FoodSafeR’s holistic, user-friendly digital ecosystem is unique, combining scientific tools, risk assessments, and training resources in an accessible format for varied food safety professionals.

Contribution by EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM: supporting potential integration of FoodSafeR resources with existing knowledge centers, enhancing accessibility and stakeholder engagement across the European food safety landscape.

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The scientific-cultural association supports the activities of the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM through actions to spread knowledge about food safety, yearly organization of the EU Food Safety Forum , activating participatory processes and feeding the Food Safety Knowledge Center in the digital platform, and high-qualified international liasons.

The main objectives of the Association are:

a) to promote scientific knowledge and innovation in the field of food safety and sustainability,

b) to foster European and global dialogue on food safety and sustainability, involving stakeholders from the agri-food sector in Italy and Europe;

c) to generate digital content through the development and publication of studies, research, and informational materials, as well as scientific content for the general public,

d) to activate participatory co-design pathways to improve and enhance knowledge and skills about food safety and sustainability, with the aim of presenting initiatives and projects for collaboration, research and innovation, and training at local, national, and international levels,

e) to promote networking, encourage interaction among its members, and exchange best practices in the agri-food and sustainability sectors.

The Association is chaired by Dr. Veronica Lattanzio of CNR ISPA.