Unit Product Identity, Supply Chains and Traceability
The tasks and activities of the Unit are as follows:
Authenticity testing of food and feed in the product chain
The Unit is tasked with the development, validation and assessment of analytical procedures for the authentication of food and feed in the product chain in terms of identity, origin and production. The increasingly global nature of trading activities in particular calls for new and reliable strategies for the monitoring and verification of the identity of food and feed in order to prevent food fraud and consequently health risks to the consumer as a result of adulterated products (e.g. due to the addition of melamine to dairy products or feed).
Preparation of senior expert opinions and opinions in the field of wine analysis
In accordance with Section 35 of the German Wine Control Regulations, the Senior Expert Office is responsible for the import control of wine from non-EU countries. The office provides a final and binding assessment of the samples of non-EU wine taken by customs officials in cases where two different expert opinions have previously been issued by official wine monitoring authorities.
The Unit prepares opinions on legislative and official procedures, and also represents the BfR on numerous national and international bodies. The findings of the Unit have already been incorporated as methods in national and international standards (Paragraph 64 of the German Food and Feed Code (LFGB)), DIN/CEN, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), as well as in EU legislation.
The management of the BfR Committee for Wine and Fruit Juice Analyses is part of the Unit, and the Committee advises the BfR within the context of its duties in line with Section 35 of the German Wine Control Regulations.
National Reference Laboratory for Food Additives and Flavourings
The Unit houses the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Food Additives and Flavourings. Its main task is to support the German official control laboratories in the development, validation and implementation of analytical methods for monitoring and controlling the use of additives and flavourings in food. Additionally, the NRL contributes to the harmonisation and standardisation of analytical methods, e.g. by participating in standard setting committees.