Chemical food safety
Safety advice for customers and consumers on chemicals and compounds in things related to food. This includes info on food additives and e-numbers, radioactivity in food, and ultra-processed foods.
Food additives and E numbers
The different types of food additives and advice on regulations and the safety of additives and E numbers in food.
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
What consumers need to know about ultra-processed foods.
Food supplements containing caffeine
What consumers need to know about food supplements containing caffeine.
Arsenic in rice
Arsenic is a substance that is naturally present in the environment. This means it gets into food and water in varying amounts in different regions of the world. Here's our advice on safe levels of arsenic in rice and rice milk.
Radioactivity in food
Radioactivity exists in the atmosphere, soil, seas and rivers. Inevitably some of this gets into the food we eat. Here's how we assess and regulate levels of radioactivity in food.
Irradiated food
Irradiation of food is a practice which eliminates bacteria that may lead to food poisoning. This page details the irradiation process and how it is not harmful to consumers.
Acrylamide
Information on the risks of acrylamide, a chemical substance formed when starchy foods, such as potatoes and bread, are cooked at high temperatures. This includes how you can reduce the chances of being harmed by it.
Lead-shot game
Consuming lead is harmful and health experts advise to minimise lead consumption as much as possible. Anyone who eats lead-shot game should be aware of the risks posed by consuming large amounts of lead, especially children and pregnant women.
BPA in plastic
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make rigid plastics, including food storage containers and refillable drinks bottles. Some people are concerned about BPA because it’s one of a large number of substances that could possibly interfere with our hormone systems. Here is the research and evidence that supports our understanding of BPA.