Funding worth almost £25 million has been allocated by the European Commission (EC) to support the 43 EU reference laboratories which look after food and feed safety, as well as animal health.
“The laboratories provide essential scientific and technical support, as well as advice on improved laboratory techniques, to the national laboratories in member states,” said the EC, announcing the new funding package.
The area covered by the laboratories ranges from pesticides and GMOs to animal health issues and food products testing.
“The assistance they provide to member states ensures high-quality and uniform testing and controls when applying EU food and feed legislation,” said the EC. “The ultimate goal of this network, which is unique in the world, is to ensure the highest level of food safety for all European citizens.”