DMC Research Center participates in the CENTINELA project, called “Sustainable biopreservation strategies to improve the quality and safety of smoked fish”, a strategic initiative that will reinforce Andalusia's leadership in innovation for the fish processing sector.
Challenges and innovative solutions for smoked fish safety
La global food security faces critical concern due to the increase in outbreaks of infections, highlighting the persistent threat of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, such as the smoked fish.
This pathogen, capable of growing under refrigeration, has led to recurrent outbreaks and costly product recalls, such as those suffered in smoked salmon in 2015 and 2024; furthermore, the safety of smoked fish is also compromised by the formation of biogenic amines.
In the face of regulatory constraints and the demand for «clean labelling» affecting traditional preservatives, there is an urgent need to explore alternatives; in this context, the bioconservation (via antimicrobial peptides and antagonistic microorganisms) and the functionalisation of edible coatings emerge as innovative and natural strategies for inhibiting pathogens such as Listeria, The aim is to move these products into a lower risk category.
The integration of these biotechnological solutions with the digitisation of processes and the early detection using techniques such as PCR-digital seeks not only to improve the safety and quality of smoked fish, but also to increase the competitiveness of the sector and reduce food waste.
Main objectives of the project
The overall objective of CENTINELA is the development of innovative and sustainable biotechnological solutions to improve the safety and quality of food and feed. fish The company has been able to respond to the demands and new market regulations for natural and high quality products by integrating bio-preservation technologies with advanced detection and analysis methods.
An Andalusian consortium
The project has the support of UBAGO, the Andalusian company leader in Spain in the production of smoked salmon and high quality seafood products, will enable the company to incorporate new innovative and digital technologies in the smoked salmon production processes, optimising key production stages and raising quality standards even further.
In addition to this business partnership, Andalusia's scientific excellence is also supported by the involvement of two internationally renowned university groups: the BIO160 group at the University of Andalusia and the BIO160 group at the University of Granada, led by Professor Manuel Martínez Bueno, and the AGR-230 group of the University of Jaén, coordinated by Professor Antonio Gálvez del Postigo. Both groups have a world-renowned track record in applied biotechnology, providing the project with top-level scientific support.
Timeframe and funding
The project will have a duration of 2 years, from 01/2025 to 12/2026.
The CENTINELA project, entitled “Development of new strategies and sustainable bio-preservation technologies to improve and guarantee the quality and food safety of smoked fish” is co-financed by the European Union under the Andalusia ERDF 2021-2027 programme.
The programme is part of the line of industrial research and experimental development projects (Dectreto 114/2024. Boja 120, 21/06/2024) promoted by the Trade Agency.
DMC Research Center SL has received a grant from the European Union under the 2021–2027 Andalusia ERDF Programme for the project: Sustainable bioconservation strategies to improve the quality and safety of smoked fish.
