DTU National Food Institute

DTU National Food Institute is a research institute at the Technical University of Denmark focused on healthy, safe, and sustainable food. It conducts research and provides research-based advice, innovation, and education in food and health for the benefit of society. The institute positions itself at the intersection of food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Its work supports public authorities, businesses, students, and the wider food system by generating scientific knowledge, assessing risks, and developing solutions that can improve public health and food production. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that combines nutrition, chemistry, toxicology, microbiology, epidemiology, and processing/biotechnology. Core Values Health promotion : The institute aims to prevent disease and promote health through research on nutrition, food safety, and the health impacts of foods and dietary patterns. Safety and trust : A major focus is ensuring trustworthy food chains through chemical and microbiological analysis, risk assessment, and quality-assured scientific advice. Sustainability : The institute works on more sustainable technological solutions and food products, including research that supports responsible consumption and production. Innovation and societal relevance : It translates research into practical solutions for businesses, authorities, and society, with an emphasis on value creation and real-world impact. Unique Aspects WHO collaborating center : In 2026, WHO designated DTU National Food Institute to host the "WHO Collaborating center for Risks and Benefits of Foods and Diets," the first WHO collaborating center with a specific focus on the risks and benefits of foods and diets. National reference laboratory role : The institute serves as Denmark’s national reference laboratory for chemical and microbiological food contaminations and also acts as an international reference laboratory for the EU and WHO in several areas. Broad public-sector consultancy mandate : It is responsible for a large part of Denmark’s research-based public sector consultancy in nutrition, food quality, food safety, and environment and health. Strong infrastructure and accreditation : The institute operates about 6,060 m² of specialized laboratories and infrastructure, and its quality system is accredited by DANAK under ISO 17025 and ISO 17043 standards.