TESTACOS+
TESTACOS + aims to reinforce and strengthen the members of the cheese value chain (from the milk producer to the final producer) through the transfer and adaptation of technology to control health risks related to antibiotic-resistant and/or histamine-producing microorganisms in ripened cheeses.
The consumption of cheeses made with raw milk can carry antibiotic resistance and biogenic amines, such as histamine, which can cause serious health disorders in consumers, posing a problem for the safety and competitiveness of an economic sector that is so important for the POCTEFA cross-border area. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers antibiotic resistance as one of the main threats worldwide (WHO, 2021), causing in Europe 35,000 deaths and an annual loss of 1,500 billion euros (ECDC, 2022).
Antibiotic resistance originates mainly from the use of drugs in clinical and veterinary settings. TESTACOS + will develop, validate and transfer sustainable and marketable control, cleaning and disinfection systems to reduce the presence of antibiotic-resistant and/or histamine-producing microorganisms in ripened cheeses in the POCTEFA area, creating an interregional agri-food network of excellence involving collaboration between universities, public agents and agri-food associations/cooperatives/companies.
TESTACOS + will reduce health risks, increasing consumer confidence, product quality, the brand image linked to the territory and the competitiveness of the sector. The ultimate goal is to boost competitiveness in rural areas through quality, reliable and healthy products, as well as to strengthen regional policies to develop a safe, sustainable and high quality food chain.
