Massimo Cecchini
Università degli Studi della Tuscia, DAFNE, Faculty Member
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT The evolution and the state of the art of the mechanical harvesting of shell fruits are described in the paper (hazelnuts, walnuts and also chestnuts). In Italy since the 1980s, mechanical harvesting has gradually replaced the... more
ABSTRACT The evolution and the state of the art of the mechanical harvesting of shell fruits are described in the paper (hazelnuts, walnuts and also chestnuts). In Italy since the 1980s, mechanical harvesting has gradually replaced the manual harvesting for hazelnuts and walnuts which was previously executed by picking the nuts from the plant or by piling and gathering the fallen fruits. In this period, their innovations have been concerned not only with technical and economic performance (such as a reduction of operating time and costs) but also with the operator’s safety and health and, in general, with the improvement of the quality of the working environment and the control of some ergonomic aspects (dust, noise, posture) (Monarca et al., 2001, 2005, 2009). The same machines more recently have been modified also for chestnuts harvesting, not a typical shell fruit, to limit the damages of the fruits and the influence of mechanical harvesting on their quality (Monarca et al., 2003, 2005). After a description of the main technical aspects of the machines (with particular reference to the self-propelled harvesters), the authors discuss the results of experimental tests carried out in the last years. Results showed remarkable harvesting performances for the different types of harvesters (pulled vacuum harvesters, with and without side-picker and trailer, self-propelled aspirating or picking harvesters with a trailer), which varied from about 0.2-0.4 ha/h for pulled machines to 0.35-0.5 ha/h for self-propelled ones. The introduction of even more efficient and reliable machines allows the integral mechanization of the harvesting yards. Reduced costs (from € 5,000 for the smaller towed vacuum harvesters to € 30,000 for the self-propelled) and the lack of seasonal workers has improved their spread even in smaller farms (2-3 ha).
ABSTRACT
Hazelnuts were grown on either a naturally cover-cropped orchard or a traditionally tilled one and then harvested either with a single or a double harvest. The double harvest technique combined with a permanent ground cover enhanced the... more
Hazelnuts were grown on either a naturally cover-cropped orchard or a traditionally tilled one and then harvested either with a single or a double harvest. The double harvest technique combined with a permanent ground cover enhanced the quality at harvest and the preservation of hazelnuts. The costs regarding both growing techniques were estimated and it was determined that the double harvest and single harvest produced the same financial result for the grower, since additional costs were balanced by public funding, while permanent groundcover was economically advantageous in comparison to soil tillage. The fresh hazelnuts were stored for 6 months and results showed that double harvest enhanced the quality and reduced the percentage of unsound fruit. Additionally, cover crop technique is not able to contain the negative effects of the single harvest.
A microclimate environment, which is characterized by warm and cold alterations, is required in the production cycle of dairy farms, but may lead to pathological diseases in workers. In this research the risk has been evaluated in a dairy... more
A microclimate environment, which is characterized by warm and cold alterations, is required in the production cycle of dairy farms, but may lead to pathological diseases in workers. In this research the risk has been evaluated in a dairy facility located in Rome. The study has provided data collection through instrumental analysis in 5 different areas of the facility. The thermal sensation index (Predicted Mean Vote, PMV; Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied, PPD) and risk index (Wet Bulbe Globe Temperature, WBGT; Insulation Required, IREQ) have been calculated. The analysis has taken into account environmental parameters (air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity and air velocity) and individual parameters (thermal insulation provided by clothing and the energy expenditure required from the work done by employees in the work areas investigated). The results have identified some phases at risk for the workers, and possible solutions to improve safety for the work...
The following study focuses on the efficiency of ozone sanitation in the food industry with specific reference to fresh fruits and vegetables. Recent research findings including mechanisms of action, artificial synthesis, sanitation food... more
The following study focuses on the efficiency of ozone sanitation in the food industry with specific reference to fresh fruits and vegetables. Recent research findings including mechanisms of action, artificial synthesis, sanitation food efficiency and effects, application with different preservation techniques, as well as pros and cons have been reported. In particular, ozone reduces microbial spoilage and weight loss of apple.Onions treated with ozone showed that mould and bacterial counts were greatly reduced without any change in their chemical composition. Ozone treatments carried out on tomatoes did not affect their colour, sugar content, acidity and antioxidant capacity while it reduced the amount of aflatoxins when applied to peanuts. Red peppers, strawberries and cress treated with ozone showed a reduction in the microbiological population. In addition to many other examples it is also reported that the phenolic and flavonoid content of pineapples and bananas increased sign...
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One of the main risk factors for workers derived by mechanized harvesting of hazelnuts is the exposure to respirable dust (Biondi et al., 1992; Monarca et al., 2005). The aim of this paper is to test a device to be applied directly on the... more
One of the main risk factors for workers derived by mechanized harvesting of hazelnuts is the exposure to respirable dust (Biondi et al., 1992; Monarca et al., 2005). The aim of this paper is to test a device to be applied directly on the harvesters, that manages to give the soil suitable moisture, reducing the dust development. The device is based on the use of sprayers, already experienced in agriculture for irrigation and pesticide treatments. It exploits the principle of pneumatic nebulisation at low volume. The dust control is also achieved through appropriate devices, positioned along the exhaust pipes of the powder: water, delivered through nozzles to low volume sprayers, which intercepts the flow of dust, leaves and twigs, before they're released outside. A first evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed device was performed by measuring, with appropriate instrumentation, the concentration of dust that affects the operator and persists in the environment. The numbe...
One of the main risk factors for workers derived by the mechanized hazelnuts harvesting is the exposure to respirable dust. The harmful effects of airborne particles, which often contain chemicals used in pesticide treatments, are not to... more
One of the main risk factors for workers derived by the mechanized hazelnuts harvesting is the exposure to respirable dust. The harmful effects of airborne particles, which often contain chemicals used in pesticide treatments, are not to be neglected. In the past the problem has been addressed through efforts as: use of machines equipped with cyclones; use of pick up machines instead of vacuum machines; substitution of tilled soil with grass covered ground; discharges of dust directed towards the ground rather than in the air. These interventions have not solved the problem. Aim of the research is to develop a system to be applied directly to harvesters, who manages to give the soil adequate moisture, reducing the dust development. The device is based on the use of sprayers with low volume pneumatic nebulization. Sprayers are positioned in front of the machine and along the dust exhaust pipes. A first evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed device was performed by measuring ...
L’adozione di sistemi e comportamenti di sicurezza, che incidono nell’organizzazione del lavoro, non è solo un obbligo normativo, ma implica un vero e proprio cambiamento nei comportamenti delle persone coinvolte, cambiamenti che possono... more
L’adozione di sistemi e comportamenti di sicurezza, che incidono nell’organizzazione del lavoro, non è solo un obbligo normativo, ma implica un vero e proprio cambiamento nei comportamenti delle persone coinvolte, cambiamenti che possono realizzarsi solo attraverso un percorso culturale e formativo. Questo volume, il primo di una collana dedicata all’argomento, affronta aspetti normativi e pratici, analizzando i rischi associati ai luoghi di lavoro e alle diverse attività agricole; la descrizione si completa con una serie di schede per la gestione della sicurezza ed esempi di documentazione di supporto. Con questo Manuale, Veneto Agricoltura conferma il proprio impegno per la divulgazione sul tema, avviato nel 2008 in collaborazione con la Direzione Prevenzione e gli SPISAL della Regione Veneto, l’INAIL, le Organizzazioni professionali agricole e gli Enti bilaterali.
Biomass is an important contributor to the world economy. Agriculture and forest products industries provide food, feed, fiber, and a wide range of necessary products like shelter, packaging, clothing, and communications. However, biomass... more
Biomass is an important contributor to the world economy. Agriculture and forest products industries provide food, feed, fiber, and a wide range of necessary products like shelter, packaging, clothing, and communications. However, biomass is also a source of a large variety of chemicals and materials, and of electricity and fuels. About 60% of the needed process energy in pulp, paper, and forest products is provided by biomass combustion. The biomass industry can produce additional ethanol by fermenting some by-product sugar streams. Lignocellulosic biomass is a potential source for ethanol that is not directly linked to food production. Also, through gasification biomass can lead to methanol, mixed alcohols, and Fischer-Tropsch liquids. The life science revolution we are witnessing has the potential to radically change the green plants and products we obtain from them. Green plants developed to produce desired products and energy could be possible in the future. Biological systems ...
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The herbaceous grafting in horticulture is a practice widely spread and permits to unite the quality and productivity characteristics with those of resistance to pathology transmitted from the soil, much more quickly as regards the time... more
The herbaceous grafting in horticulture is a practice widely spread and permits to unite the quality and productivity characteristics with those of resistance to pathology transmitted from the soil, much more quickly as regards the time necessary for genetic improvement. There are different methods of grafting (crown, cleft, etc.), especially used by skilled workers with the help of manual tools such as the grafting knife. Grafting work requires an effort of upper limbs, owing to the great number of repetitive movements and the precision required to cut the grafting sections. The above mentioned situation a risk for workers who operate about six hours a day in these conditions. The risk may involve some pathologies, generally of different origin (such as wrist and shoulder tendinitis, lateral epicondylitis, carpal tunnel etc.), defined as "work related musculo-skeletal disorders" (WMSDs). The Aim of present research is to assess the risk of musculo-skeletal disorders due t...
The present paper shows the results of a survey about the implementation of the Italian legislation on safety and health at work in the agricultural sector. The survey was carried out in Central Italy with a sample consisting of 411... more
The present paper shows the results of a survey about the implementation of the Italian legislation on safety and health at work in the agricultural sector. The survey was carried out in Central Italy with a sample consisting of 411 family farms without employees and 119 farms with employees. The sample consists of farms which were contacted by phone and accepted to be involved to the present survey. It is important to emphasize that only 530 out of about 2500 companies showed a positive attitude to fill in the questionnaire (response rate 21.2%). The business leaders were interviewed and asked a series of questions. The questionnaire was developed for the specific purpose of the research and structured in different ways depending on the type of farm management. After collecting data through the above mentioned way, they were processed, leading to the results shown in the paper. We have seen how agriculture companies show an adequate but not optimal compliance to the new Italian leg...
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The use of grafted plants on resistant genotypes is now widely widespread in the Mediterranean horticulture. Plants with greater resistance to infections by soil-borne pathogens and increased tolerance against abiotic stresses are... more
The use of grafted plants on resistant genotypes is now widely widespread in the Mediterranean horticulture. Plants with greater resistance to infections by soil-borne pathogens and increased tolerance against abiotic stresses are obtained by the different grafting techniques. The vegetable grafting is carried out in controlled environments, the most used are greenhouses, in order to adjust the main climatic factors that affect the healing: temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. The values of air temperature recommended in literature for the healing are at least 24÷27°C although some authors indicate higher values, the relative humidity must be close to 95% and shade cloths must be used to reduce the radiation on plants. The total automation of grafting operations is difficult due to no perfect uniformity of the plant but some phases of the grafting can be automated to increase labour productivity. In this context, the presence of the operator cannot be eliminated and h...
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Summary In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab. The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A space too... more
Summary
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A
space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the
cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the
vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to
verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard),
calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared
to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or
more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A
space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the
cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the
vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to
verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard),
calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared
to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or
more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
Research Interests:
The paper describes the situation of the safety of the PTO propeller shafts applied to farm tractors in Central Italy. The power take-off (PTO) allows farmers to harness the power of the tractor engine in order to drive a variety of... more
The paper describes the situation of the safety of the PTO propeller shafts applied to farm tractors in Central
Italy. The power take-off (PTO) allows farmers to harness the power of the tractor engine in order to drive a
variety of machines. However, a particular attention to the PTO driveline's potential for causing injuries is
needed. Propeller shaft is considered one of the most dangerous devices and most of fatal accidents are
related to the lack of safety components and to their inappropriate use. The experimental part has been
carried out on a sample of several farms collocated in the area of Viterbo. The conditions of the propeller
shaft and its safety system have been controlled for each farm. Moreover, a risk index card has been
realized for each propeller shaft. Tests show that more than half of the cases keep all PTO shielding in place.
Similar data regard safety chains and pictograms. Data show also that age is the most important factor on
safety aspects and that farmers are not used to a correct policy of maintenance and repair of these
fundamental devices.
Italy. The power take-off (PTO) allows farmers to harness the power of the tractor engine in order to drive a
variety of machines. However, a particular attention to the PTO driveline's potential for causing injuries is
needed. Propeller shaft is considered one of the most dangerous devices and most of fatal accidents are
related to the lack of safety components and to their inappropriate use. The experimental part has been
carried out on a sample of several farms collocated in the area of Viterbo. The conditions of the propeller
shaft and its safety system have been controlled for each farm. Moreover, a risk index card has been
realized for each propeller shaft. Tests show that more than half of the cases keep all PTO shielding in place.
Similar data regard safety chains and pictograms. Data show also that age is the most important factor on
safety aspects and that farmers are not used to a correct policy of maintenance and repair of these
fundamental devices.
Research Interests:
ABSTRACT The European technical standard EN 14961 on solid biofuels determines the fuel quality classes and specifications for wood chips. Sieving methods are currently used for the determination of particle size distribution. Some... more
ABSTRACT The European technical standard EN 14961 on solid biofuels determines the fuel quality classes and specifications for wood chips. Sieving methods are currently used for the determination of particle size distribution. Some authors suggested that image analysis tools could provide methods for a more accurate measure of size integrated with shape. This work for the first time analyzes how image analysis combined with multivariate modeling methods could be used to construct cumulative size distribution curves based on chip mass (or weight). This has been done through a Partial Least Squares Regression model for the weight prediction of poplar chips and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis models for estimation of chips size classification. Images of 7583 poplar chips were analyzed to extract size and shape descriptors (area, major and minor axis lengths, perimeter, eccentricity, equivalent diameter, fractal dimension index, Feret diameters and Fourier descriptors). The weight prediction model showed an high accuracy (r = 0.94). The chip classification based on three size fractions (8-16 mm, 16-45 mm and 45-63 mm), with or without Fourier descriptors, showed accuracies equal to 92.9% of correct classification for both models in the independent test. The combination of image analysis with multivariate modeling approaches allow a better conversion of image analysis results to sieve results using the esteemed weight. The proposed method will allow to standardize processes applicable by biofuels laboratories and machinery certifiers.
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ABSTRACT In recent years it has been proved that residential biomass combustion has a direct influence on ambient air quality, especially in the case of cereals. The aim of this study is the characterization of the emissions in... more
ABSTRACT In recent years it has been proved that residential biomass combustion has a direct influence on ambient air quality, especially in the case of cereals. The aim of this study is the characterization of the emissions in small-scale fixed-bed pellet boiler (heat output of 25 kW) of beech and corn, and of its potential reduction to an addition of calcium dihydroxide. In the biomass combustion test 7 fuel mixtures were investigated with regard to the particulate content (PM10), gaseous emissions and combustion chamber deposit. The corn kernels tanned with calcium dihydroxide determined a decrease in particulate emissions (54 +/- 13 mg MJ(-1)) in comparison to corn, whereas in the combustion of corn pellet with 1% calcium dihydroxide high emissions were observed (193 +/- 21 mg MJ(-1)). With regard to SO2 emissions, the combustion of corn with the additives make a reduction in comparison to additive-free corn.
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The use of grafted plants on resistant genotypes is now widely widespread in the Mediterranean horticulture. Plants with greater resistance to infections by soil-borne pathogens and increased tolerance against abiotic stresses are... more
The use of grafted plants on resistant genotypes is now widely widespread in the Mediterranean horticulture. Plants with greater resistance to infections by soil-borne pathogens and increased tolerance against abiotic stresses are obtained by the different grafting techniques.
The vegetable grafting is often carried out in greenhouses, in order to adjust the main climatic factors that affect the healing: temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. The workers
who effect such practice are particularly subject to health risks, caused by movements which are frequently repeated during working days.
The aim of the research is to assess the risk of WMSDs due to repetitive work, for workers employed in manual grafting in greenhouses.
The method used for the risk assessment is the “OCRA index” according to ISO 11228-3:2009 (Ergonomics - Manual handling - Part 3: Handling of low loads at high frequency) which keeps
into consideration several risk factors (repetitiveness, prehension force, posture).
The results show a medium - high risk for the right limb, which effects the cutting up on the small plant to be grafted, and an acceptable risk for the left limb. The factors which more have
contributed to reach such risk level are the continuous pinch of the knife, the great number of movements and the lack of recovering time.
The paper reports some guidelines for risk reduction.
The vegetable grafting is often carried out in greenhouses, in order to adjust the main climatic factors that affect the healing: temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. The workers
who effect such practice are particularly subject to health risks, caused by movements which are frequently repeated during working days.
The aim of the research is to assess the risk of WMSDs due to repetitive work, for workers employed in manual grafting in greenhouses.
The method used for the risk assessment is the “OCRA index” according to ISO 11228-3:2009 (Ergonomics - Manual handling - Part 3: Handling of low loads at high frequency) which keeps
into consideration several risk factors (repetitiveness, prehension force, posture).
The results show a medium - high risk for the right limb, which effects the cutting up on the small plant to be grafted, and an acceptable risk for the left limb. The factors which more have
contributed to reach such risk level are the continuous pinch of the knife, the great number of movements and the lack of recovering time.
The paper reports some guidelines for risk reduction.
Research Interests:
Still many accidents in agriculture can be attributed to the overturning of agricultural vehicles, such as tractors. The current system of protection on agricultural and forestry tractors is passive; this is constituted by a rigid frame... more
Still many accidents in agriculture can be attributed to the overturning of agricultural vehicles, such as tractors. The current system of protection on agricultural and forestry tractors is passive; this is constituted by a rigid frame (Roll Over Protective Structure, ROPS) and by the safety belt.
However, the protective frame often does not allow the operator to transit in the orchards, due to the bulkiness of the frame. Thus, the protective frame, which often can be “lowered”, it is configured in a position not suited to the use of the machine, causing a great risk for the safety of the driver.
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the functionality of the protective structures of agricultural vehicles, commonly used in orchards. Hazelnut, olives, grapes and kiwi are the four crops investigated. Sampling was carried out in the period of greatest expansion of the crown and was therefore analyzed the worse situation.
Tractors equipped with old and new protective structures were compared, even if the latter are still at prototype stage.
The results show an objective difficulty in the use of the normal protective frames, while the transit is facilitated in the orchard for tractors equipped with the new prototypal structures.
However, the protective frame often does not allow the operator to transit in the orchards, due to the bulkiness of the frame. Thus, the protective frame, which often can be “lowered”, it is configured in a position not suited to the use of the machine, causing a great risk for the safety of the driver.
The aim of this paper is to evaluate the functionality of the protective structures of agricultural vehicles, commonly used in orchards. Hazelnut, olives, grapes and kiwi are the four crops investigated. Sampling was carried out in the period of greatest expansion of the crown and was therefore analyzed the worse situation.
Tractors equipped with old and new protective structures were compared, even if the latter are still at prototype stage.
The results show an objective difficulty in the use of the normal protective frames, while the transit is facilitated in the orchard for tractors equipped with the new prototypal structures.
Research Interests:
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab. The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A space too narrow is... more
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard), calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard), calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
Research Interests:
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab. The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A space too narrow is... more
In agriculture, anthropometry has a remarkable relevance above all in design and realization of a tractor cab.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A
space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the
cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the
vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to
verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard),
calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared
to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or
more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
The operators spend much time in driving tractors and an uncomfortable cab represents a risk for them. A
space too narrow is extremely dangerous in case of overturning, for the knocks with the internal parts of the
cab, and it can favour unintentional use of the commands with consequences on the behaviour of the
vehicle.
This paper is focused on experimental analysis of the internal dimension of tractor cabs. The main goal is to
verify the respect of “the least overall dimensions” of the driver (according to EN ISO 3411 standard),
calculated on the biggest driver size, corresponding to the internal cab surface with no visible deformation.
Measurements have been carried out on 28 new generation tractors differently dimensioned, later compared
to the provided limits, in order to verify the least overall dimensions.
The results show that all the cabs, also if approved in accordance with OECD standard, don’t respect one or
more parameters provided by the EN ISO 3411.
Research Interests:
The food label is the first means of communication with which the consumer comes in contact with the product. The same is not limited to hygiene and nutritional value of food, but also extends to environmental, social and ethical.... more
The food label is the first means of communication with which the consumer comes in contact with the product. The same is not limited to hygiene and nutritional value of food, but also extends to environmental, social and ethical.
Italian legislation guiding the labelling was founded in 1974 and aims to ensure on one hand the free circulation of goods in a spirit of fair competition, on the other hand the health protection and the right information for consumers.
Even a well-structured label neglects some important information regarding the consumer's health, such as the presence of harmful elements, making it incomplete for the end user.
The "SBW" project aims to develop a monitoring protocol for the detection of heavy elements (metals) and harmful substances, based on a "voluntary" labelling of food products.
Companies that decide to adopt the control protocol may obtain, in the only case in which the requirements are met, a "certificate of quality", which will be summarized and made evident on the labels through the inclusion of a trademark (easily recognizable logo), connected to remote or in label information.
The aim is twofold: to protect consumers from the point of view of food safety and increase the competitiveness of companies adopting such a system of voluntary labelling. At the same time companies will be stimulated to reduce chemical inputs during the production cycle.
The project, although adaptable to all food products, is tested on a product with a low content of harmful elements: the wine. It has been chosen this product in view of the increasing demand for enhancement of "made in Italy" foodstuffs: in fact, the wine is one of the products that can be sold with a label that is easily reproducible by the market of counterfeit food.
For this purpose a series of tests was carried out on organic wine in two cellars located in central Italy. Results show an average concentration of copper of 39.3 μg/dm3 (white wine) and 79.9 μg/dm3 (red wine) in the first winery, and, in the second winery, 5.4 μg/dm3 (white wine) and 12.3 μg/dm3 - 482 μg/dm3 (red wines). The copper concentrations were under the limit of 1000 μg/dm3: however sensible differences were detected among different wines and this information could be useful for the consumers.
Italian legislation guiding the labelling was founded in 1974 and aims to ensure on one hand the free circulation of goods in a spirit of fair competition, on the other hand the health protection and the right information for consumers.
Even a well-structured label neglects some important information regarding the consumer's health, such as the presence of harmful elements, making it incomplete for the end user.
The "SBW" project aims to develop a monitoring protocol for the detection of heavy elements (metals) and harmful substances, based on a "voluntary" labelling of food products.
Companies that decide to adopt the control protocol may obtain, in the only case in which the requirements are met, a "certificate of quality", which will be summarized and made evident on the labels through the inclusion of a trademark (easily recognizable logo), connected to remote or in label information.
The aim is twofold: to protect consumers from the point of view of food safety and increase the competitiveness of companies adopting such a system of voluntary labelling. At the same time companies will be stimulated to reduce chemical inputs during the production cycle.
The project, although adaptable to all food products, is tested on a product with a low content of harmful elements: the wine. It has been chosen this product in view of the increasing demand for enhancement of "made in Italy" foodstuffs: in fact, the wine is one of the products that can be sold with a label that is easily reproducible by the market of counterfeit food.
For this purpose a series of tests was carried out on organic wine in two cellars located in central Italy. Results show an average concentration of copper of 39.3 μg/dm3 (white wine) and 79.9 μg/dm3 (red wine) in the first winery, and, in the second winery, 5.4 μg/dm3 (white wine) and 12.3 μg/dm3 - 482 μg/dm3 (red wines). The copper concentrations were under the limit of 1000 μg/dm3: however sensible differences were detected among different wines and this information could be useful for the consumers.