Agency publishes T01/T05/T09 research programme review

The Food Standards Agency has published a report of its five-year review of the T01 (risk assessment of food chemicals), T05 (phytoestrogens) and T09 (food chemical toxicology) research programmes.

A panel of independent experts evaluated all research conducted in the three programmes between 2002 and 2007, assessing the quality of the work performed, its relevance to the programmes’ scientific and policy objectives and its value for money. The panel also provided advice on future directions for research in the T01 programme. No further research is to be commissioned under the T09 and T05 programmes and any work that would have fallen into these categories will be incorporated in the T01 programme.

Overall the programmes were viewed highly favourably, and it was recognised that the research funded has provided important information to support the Agency in its work to protect consumers from harmful exposure to chemicals in food.

The reviewers’ comments have provided the basis for development of an Action Plan for future work in the T01 programme. This will ensure that research funded under T01 continues to support the Agency’s objectives, is of high scientific quality and provides value for money.