Veneto’s shellfish industry dives deep for better quality

30/04/2021

To improve the quality and sustainability of its shellfish, the Italian region of Veneto used ERDF funding to implement an innovative research project involving producers and researchers.

© iStock/Alphotographic

Sosiaq, the Sustainable, safe, high quality project, had three main aims: to develop purification systems that eliminate viruses in shellfish which are harmful to humans; to ensure the products can be traced to their source; and to cultivate genetically stronger clams and mussels.

The first activity was carried out with an eye on the forthcoming release of an EU Regulation on maximum permissible viral contamination in shellfish.

Work on the traceability aspect found that shellfish have microbial ‘footprints’ unique to their area of origin. These can be used to identify illegally harvested products and to provide consumers with guarantees of origin.

Finally, a large-scale experiment in the Venice lagoon and an analysis of hundreds of samples revealed that characteristics such as size, quality and resistance to parasites are genetic. This can ensure better quality and sustainability.

With a total budget of EUR 897 094, the project was completed in October 2020.

sursa: Inforegio – Newsroom
https://bit.ly/3gRnp5F