Food Chemical Toxicology Research Programme (T09)
Identifying potentially hazardous chemicals present in food and to assess the risks they may pose to human health.
Aims
The Food Chemical Toxicology research programme was started in April 2000 and the current objectives are to:
- develop tests to detect and measure potential toxins in food
- aid assessment of risks to human health
Abstract
This research will allow the Agency to improve food safety for the consumer by:
- developing new tests to identify chemicals in food that affect sexual and reproductive development
- developing new tests to identify endocrine disrupters in food
- improving the understanding of how toxins in the diet produce their effects
Use of these tests will help the Agency to assess the risks these chemicals may pose to the consumer. In addition, new tests may reduce the need for use of animals in toxicology studies, which consumers will welcome.
Rationale
Food can contain harmful chemicals present either as natural constituents, contaminants or by-products of food processing and cooking. The Food Standards Agency is seeking to identify potentially hazardous chemicals present in food and to assess the risks they may pose to human health.
Contact for further information
Name: Dr Diane Benford
Tel: 020 7276 8510
Email: diane.benford@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
List of projects
T09 Project details
Details of Agency-funded projects under the Food Chemical Toxicology research programme (T09).