Responsabile scientifico: Maria Cesarina Abete
CReAA was settled in 2003 by the Italian Health Ministry Decree, as National Reference Centre on Feed. It develops analytical methods to ensure the feed safety, both for livestock and pets.
It supports the Ministry of Health in writing the National Feed Official Control Plan (PNAA) and delivers opinions on feed issues to the Competent Authorities (Ministry of Health, Regions, Local Veterinary Services) and to category and professional organizations, and to private laboratories.
CReAA organizes meetings, workshops, seminars, basic and advanced training courses on its competence’s matters (legislation updating, together with the Ministry of Health, diffusion of new analytical techniques to the IIZZSS network).
CReAA was designed National Reference Laboratory for:
- Heavy metals and nitrogenous compounds in feed from 2006 (SC Controllo Chimico, Turin) – NRL MN
- Animal proteins in feed from 2006 (SC Controllo Chimico, Turin) – NRL AP
- Feed additives (trace elements & probiotics) from 2005 (SC Controllo Chimico, Turin) - NRLFA
- Pesticides in feed and cereals from 2006 (SC Liguria, Genoa) – NRL FC
Research activities:
- Development of analytical techniques on detection of animal peptides in feed
- Study of new matrices and raw materials in feed (insects, algae, plankton, etc.)
- Development of methods on site for detection of feed contaminants
- Study on bio feed
- Investigation of emerging challenges on processed animal proteins, feed contaminants, drugs in feed
- Cooperation of the NRLs with European Reference Laboratories on specific issues (i.e. development of new analyses techniques, development of official documents)
The personnel working at the National Reference Centre on Animal Feed would be happy to train thesis and PhD students on feed safety, and related analytical methods. Our main expertise are focused on heavy metals in feed, additives in feed, and animal proteins in feed, but also on drugs in feed and contaminants, such as phthalates and Pfas in feed.