Applied knowledge for safer decisions
We turn scientific and technical knowledge into practical tools to strengthen food safety, quality and the competitiveness of agri-food chains.
An approach to turn evidence into action
Food-safety management requires understanding risk, interpreting available evidence and turning it into applicable, verifiable decisions in real settings.
Understand
Recognise hazards, requirements and foundations to build a shared language.
Assess
Analyse scenarios, weigh evidence and set priorities.
Implement
Turn decisions into management measures tailored to each setting.
Verify
Check the effectiveness of controls and promote continual improvement.
An integrated view of food systems
QualiFood connects science, management and knowledge transfer in strategic areas for the agri-food sector.
Integrated allergen management
Prevention, assessment and control of unintended allergen presence throughout the food chain.
Explore the Centre →Risk assessment
Scientific criteria, analytical data and quantitative tools to support decisions.
Food quality and safety
Capabilities and management systems tailored to each organisation’s needs.
Primary production and postharvest
Managing risks and quality in fruit, vegetables and agri-food raw materials.
Food loss and waste
Knowledge and strategies to improve resource use and sustainability across food chains.
Capacity development
Education, technical assistance and tools to support effective implementation.
Research, teaching and knowledge transfer
QualiFood is led by Gustavo Polenta, a biochemist and researcher specialising in food science, technology and safety. He is a senior researcher at INTA’s Institute of Food Technology and coordinates its Food Allergens Platform.
His career combines applied research, analytical-method development, teaching, technical assistance and knowledge transfer to the agri-food sector. He completed postdoctoral work at Health Canada’s Food Research Division in Ottawa, focused on developing methods for detecting food allergens.
Biochemist; PhD in Plant Biochemistry; MSc in Food Science and Technology; and specialist in Industrial Food Quality.
Professor at Universidad Nacional de Hurlingham and postgraduate lecturer at Universidad Tecnológica Nacional.
Member of the FAO/WHO ad hoc Expert Committee on food-allergen risk assessment.
Participant in the Regional Network of Experts on Food Loss and Waste Prevention for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Institutional positions and participation are presented as Gustavo Polenta’s professional background and do not imply formal endorsement of QualiFood by those organisations. INTA reference · FAO/WHO consultation · UNAHUR · UTN
Accessible knowledge, informed decisions
The proposal is designed to protect consumers, support organisations and strengthen the competitiveness and international reach of Argentine food products.
QualiFood Academy
Pathways to develop technical and management capabilities.
View coursesTechnical resources
Guides and materials to implement, assess and verify.
Explore resourcesTools
Calculators and criteria to support risk assessments.
Use toolsContact
Enquiries about training and technical assistance for organisations.
ContactScience, sound judgement and tools to move forward
QualiFood supports the move from understanding a problem to implementing evidence-based solutions.