METROFOOD-IT Supports Traceability and Authentication of the PGI Melannurca Campana Apple

On July 4th, in the evocative setting of the Chinese Hall at the Department of Agriculture of the University of Naples Federico II, a conference was held dedicated to the Melannurca Campana PGI, a fruit symbolizing the agrifood excellence of the Campania region.

Among the scientific contributions, Professor Paola Adamo presented a study entitled “Geochemistry and Metabolomics to Authenticate the Melannurca Campana Apple: The METROFOOD-IT Approach”, illustrating the results obtained through the use of advanced analytical services provided by METROFOOD-IT within the framework of the European Transnational Access (TNA) mechanism. Through this initiative, researchers and stakeholders have the opportunity to access cutting-edge laboratories and instrumentation free of charge.

In particular, the Consortium for the Protection of the Melannurca Campana PGI benefited from this service to address, in an integrated manner, issues related to product authentication and valorization.

The activity was carried out at the UNINA1 operational unit of METROFOOD-IT, involving Professor Adamo’s laboratory for multielement analysis (ICP-MS) and that of Professor Paola Vitaglione for metabolomics analysis (UHPLC-HRMS). The main objective of the study was to trace, authenticate, and enhance the value of the Melannurca Campana PGI apple through an integrated approach based on the analysis of elemental and metabolomic profiles.

This project represents a concrete example of how the METROFOOD-IT infrastructure can support applied research and contribute to the protection and promotion of Italian agrifood excellence.