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Director Ana Gago making a tour of the new lab facilities. (Photo: duvi.uvigo.es)
EU Reference Laboratory for marine biotoxins opened
(SPAIN, 5/22/2012)
In the Science and Technology Park of the Campus of the University of Vigo (Citexvi) the European Reference Laboratory for Marine Biotoxins has just been officially opened.
This centre will coordinate the activities of the national reference laboratory net set up in the Member States of the European Union (EU) on issues related to the methodology applied to the monitoring of marine biotoxins in molluscs.
The director of the new laboratory, Professor Ana Gago, said her goals are "to protect public health and ensure a high level of food safety to consumers."
The Secretary General of Health and Consumption, Pilar Farjas confirmed that during 2012 about EUR 240,000 will be invested in the centre.
Furthermore, she stressed the "strong collaboration" from all related institutions to develop this project.
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| New lab facilities. (Photo: duvi.uvigo.es) |
The official stressed the synergies that can arise from the location of the laboratory on the university campus, stating that research and development (R&D) is essential to "highlight and protect a sea that generates resources, employment and wealth," Ipac reported.
Farjas also stressed that Spain is a leader in mollusc production, with 40 per cent of the total and 28 per cent of world production.
"With the investment of EUR 240,000 planned for this year coupled with training and experience, both of the centre and the University staff, it is ensured that the European Reference Laboratory of Biotoxins will become a centre of excellence," he stated.
The rector of the University of Vigo, Salustiano Mato thanked the trust from the EU and the Spanish Government with the location of the laboratory on the campus of the University of Vigo, as it "provides credibility, rigour and independence."
The ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of Health and Consumption of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality and president of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, Pilar Farjas; by the mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero; by the Minister for Rural and Marine Affairs of the Xunta de Galicia, Rosa Quintana; and by the deputy Minister in Galicia, Samuel Juárez.
Furthermore, the executive director of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition, Ángela López de Sá; the rector of the University of Vigo, Salustiano Mato; and the representative of the Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (DG Sanco) of the General Directorate of the European Commission, Koen Van Dyck were present at the opening ceremony.
By Analia Murias
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende
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Vigo
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Pontevedra, Galicia (36310)
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Spain
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+34 986 812 000
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informacion@uvigo.es
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