What is the impact of chemical hazards (including nanomaterials and microplastics) in food and how can we reduce it?
Background
At the heart of our role is the need to ensure food is safe and what it says it is, and in doing so protect consumers from risks within the food system and ensure high food standards. Core to this is a risk analysis process which relies on independent, science-led risk assessment and socio-economic analytical evidence, to support effective risk management decisions. To assure food safety and standards, we must also recognise that the UK is part of an international food supply chain, where we only produce around 50% of all the food we eat in the UK. Our exit from the EU and push for wider international trade has further highlighted how we need to understand the role of trade and international differences in production systems and food standards.
Next steps
Please contact the FSA Science Strategy, Research and Capability Unit at ari@food.gov.uk
Source
This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:
Related UKRI funded projects
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Development of sustainable bionanocomposite materials for perishable foods & drinks shelf life extension: delivering better food for all
Food waste is a major global challenge, and the UK is no exception, having an estimated food waste of 9.5 Mtonnes in 2018\. This has a significant annual impact on the UK's environment (25 Mtonnes GHG), society (8.4M liv...
Funded by: Innovate UK
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on developing sustainable bionanocomposite materials for food packaging to reduce food waste and improve food safety.
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FoodSafeR - A joined-up approach to the identification, assessment and management of emerging food safety hazards and associated risks
In Europe, each year foodborne hazards, including bacteria, parasites, bacterial toxins and allergens, already cause more than 20 million cases of illness and thousands of deaths. Foodborne chemical risk, often associate...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Why might this be relevant?
The project aims to identify, assess, and manage emerging food safety hazards, including chemical risks, in the European food system.
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Metrology for food safety in the circular economy: targeted and screening methods for contaminants in food and recycled packaging
To ensure a high level of food safety throughout production and distribution, it is crucial to improve and harmonise analytical techniques for contaminant quantification. This constitutes the basis for reliable data rega...
Funded by: Horizon Europe Guarantee
Why might this be relevant?
The project focuses on developing metrological tools for quantifying contaminants in food and packaging, which is relevant to food safety but not directly addressing the impact of chemical hazards in food.