Our unit is interested in collaborating on research focused on alternative protein sources, whether plant-based, animal-based, or microbial. We are particularly interested in projects developing new ingredients and/or new production processes. As part of a public institution responsible for food risk assessment, we are interested in research aspects related to the identification and characterization of potential hazards present in innovative foods. Specifically, our unit focuses on the use of molecular techniques for the recognition and quantification of species within complex food matrices. One area we are particularly interested in and intend to develop is the characterization of food allergens.

The National Reference Laboratory for Animal Proteins in Feed (NRL-TP) of the BfR is responsible for ensuring that the official reference methods specified in the EU for the detection of prohibited animal constituents in feed (e.g., ruminant material) are correctly implemented by all control laboratories in Germany. The statutory tasks of the NRL-TP, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 625/2017, are to support national feed control laboratories in implementing the official reference methods of the European Reference Laboratory for Animal Proteins (EURL-AP; Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium), including through the development and validation of detection methods. The unit is equipped with several thermal cyclers for endpoint, real-time, and digital PCR, as well as two mass spectrometers for proteomic analysis. The main aim of the analytical activity is the recognition and quantification of DNA or peptides as species-specific markers.