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Research cooperation on the wine and fruit juice production chains as well as those of horticultural crops strengthens consumer protection

07/2017, 24.02.2017

The BfR and Hochschule Geisenheim University agree close cooperation on research, teaching and continued education

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) cooperates with numerous scientific institutions at the national and international level. The tertiary cooperation is now being complemented by an additional research partner: Hochschule Geisenheim University. "On the basis of close cooperation, we intend to study the effects of climate change on plant constituents which are undesirable in the food and feed chain and which may pose a health risk", BfR Vice President Prof. Dr. Reiner Wittkowski explains. On the occasion of the first cooperation talk held today, he signed, together with President of Hochschule Geisenheim University Prof. Dr. Hans R. Schultz, a cooperation agreement on the close cooperation between the two institutions with regard to research, teaching and continuing education. Schultz sees the cooperation as advantageous: "The benefits largely arise from the synergies resulting from the competencies of the partners."

Prof. Dr. Hans R. Schultz, President of Hochschule Geisenheim University (left) und Prof. Dr. Reiner Wittkowski, BfR Vice President (right)

The goal of the cooperation between the BfR and Hochschule Geisenheim University is to conduct joint research projects and to supervise student theses. The subjects to be covered by the research alliance include, for example, a study of mycotoxins in fruit juices along the entire production process, procedures for authenticity testing of wine and the effects of climate change on plant constituents which are undesirable in food and feed. Another field is research on the safety of processing residues and pulp at the end of the production chain which are then used as the raw materials for spirits and feed.

Hochschule Geisenheim University combines research, education and practice in the area of special cultures in viticulture and horticulture and their diversified production and processing applications. Other focal points are landscaping and nature protection, logistics for fresh produce, food safety as well as business management and marketing.

Further information on the scientific cooperation between the BfR and other institutions can be accessed via this link:

http://www.bfr.bund.de/en/co_operation-10337.html

About the BfR

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the Federal Government and Federal Laender on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.

Disclaimer

This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.

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