BEETROOT - Building a comprEhensive rEgulaTory framework for plants with healing pRoperties and bOtanicals, used as foOd, to boost public healTh
Abstract:
Legislation does not contain definitions for plants with healing properties and their extracts, despite they have been known for millennia. Even if industrialization and synthetic compounds eclipsed the beneficial role of plants and products thereof, in the last years, their importance has been rediscovered. The development of the sector, however, can be hindered by a fragmented and incomplete legislation.
The objective of BEETROOT is in its title: “Building a comprehensive regulatory framework for plants with healing properties and botanicals, used as food, to boost public health”. The research activities aim at overcoming the regulatory issues that can limit the sector of plants with beneficial properties (like beetroot) and their compounds, from primary production to the placing on the market of final products, paying due attention to the theme of information to consumers. The project conceives business operators as its main beneficiaries. BEETROOT is thus product-centered: research activities will stem from the definitions (medicinal plants, botanicals, superfoods…) and progressively include the other regulatory aspects that concur in shaping the value chain and the governance of the sector (novel foods and claims for plants and botanicals, the qualification of processed products derived from plants with healing properties and of operators involved in such activities). Thanks to this approach, the project will mainly deliver guidance to navigate the practical regulatory challenges, while keeping an eye on the surrounding framework.
Most of the budget (€ 226,000) will cover the cost of contracts of non‐employees specifically to recruit: two biennial research contracts and two annual research grants. A small amount (€ 1500) will be used for fundamental working tools (notebook and software). RUs will be provided with an amount for consultancy (technological support). The residual part of the grant will be reserved to the most important phase of BEETROOT: dissemination.
Dissemination will reach different targets: institutions; academics; the public.
BEETROOT is expected to have positive impact on:
The objective of BEETROOT is in its title: “Building a comprehensive regulatory framework for plants with healing properties and botanicals, used as food, to boost public health”. The research activities aim at overcoming the regulatory issues that can limit the sector of plants with beneficial properties (like beetroot) and their compounds, from primary production to the placing on the market of final products, paying due attention to the theme of information to consumers. The project conceives business operators as its main beneficiaries. BEETROOT is thus product-centered: research activities will stem from the definitions (medicinal plants, botanicals, superfoods…) and progressively include the other regulatory aspects that concur in shaping the value chain and the governance of the sector (novel foods and claims for plants and botanicals, the qualification of processed products derived from plants with healing properties and of operators involved in such activities). Thanks to this approach, the project will mainly deliver guidance to navigate the practical regulatory challenges, while keeping an eye on the surrounding framework.
Most of the budget (€ 226,000) will cover the cost of contracts of non‐employees specifically to recruit: two biennial research contracts and two annual research grants. A small amount (€ 1500) will be used for fundamental working tools (notebook and software). RUs will be provided with an amount for consultancy (technological support). The residual part of the grant will be reserved to the most important phase of BEETROOT: dissemination.
Dissemination will reach different targets: institutions; academics; the public.
BEETROOT is expected to have positive impact on:
- Health and consumers: a clear regulatory framework and a wider knowledge could boost products with beneficial properties, allowing consumers to choose the best for their health.
- Operators: clearer provisions can open new market opportunities, while avoiding incompliances.
- Academic research, involved researchers, and university: further research opportunities, career improvements and strengthening of relationships could derive from the project.
- Biodiversity and agrobiodiversity: conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants and botanical varieties are a precondition for the development of the value chain. A clear regulatory framework that enables a vital and sustainable economic sector can also have positive repercussions on biodiversity.
Dettagli progetto:
Referente scientifico: Borghi Paolo
Fonte di finanziamento: Bando PRIN 2022 PNRR
Data di avvio: 30/11/2023
Data di fine: 29/11/2025
Contributo MUR: 78.139 €
Partner:
- Università degli Studi di FERRARA (capofila)
- Università degli Studi di PADOVA
- Università degli Studi di BRESCIA