CFRI was established in 1959 in order to carry out research and development in the field of food industry, as well as to provide data and information. The Institute operates under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Hungary and has currently more than 125 people (66 scientists) employed at the Institute. Scientific activities of the Institute are to establish food safety in the food chain; to elaborate on microbiological methods of the prediction of shelf-life and safety of food products; the development of rapid analytical methods based on antibody and DNA analysis to promote moulds, toxins and anti-nutritive substances. Other relevant scientific activities are the establishment of food safety activities of food producers, research establishing the identification of food safety related risk factors and the traceability of unwanted materials throughout the food chain and the prevention of their undesirable effects.