OptImization of novel value CHains for fish and seafood by developing an integraTed sustainable approacH for improved qualitY, safety and waSte reduction

The EU is the largest marketer of fishery and aquaculture products in the world in terms of value. Boosting competitiveness and growth is a top priority. That’s the aim of the EU-funded ICHTHYS project. It will optimise novel value-chains for fish and seafood products. By focussing on postharvest processing and packaging (two essential parts of the value chain), it will integrate novel modern techniques and molecular biology tools in the evaluation of the quality and safety of fish and shellfish, including their allergenic capacity. Specifically, it will study new nonthermal processing methods such as high pressure, pulsed electric fields and high-intensity pulsed light together with active and intelligent packaging and smart labels and biosensors for monitoring safety and shelf life.