SECAL Programme

Programme contact(s)


Summary of the Programme

Duration: 2003 - 2010
Total Budget: EUR 7,500,000
Total Expenses: EUR 7,218,807
Total Projects Funded: 11

Food safety has become a major public health issue, both with regard to the context of an increased life expectancy and the economic impact. In order to assess and control the risks connected to food safety, the improvement of scientific knowledge – concerning the analysis of contaminants throughout the “food chain”, human exposure to the various contaminants and their impact on human health – is necessary.

The aim of this programme was to develop a body of scientific expertise and resources in Luxembourg in matters of food safety, serving all the actors involved, such that the base of scientific knowledge can be widened and new methods of surveillance and risk avoidance can be developed. Priority was given to the following areas of research, ranging from risk assessment to the study of prevention strategies:

  • traceability of foods (including genetically modified organisms - GMOs);
  • chemical and microbiological quality of foods (including drinking water);
  • impact on human health and consumer protection.

The continuation of the activities started around the SECAL programme is now guaranteed within the CORE programme.

Closed Projects