This project provides validated methods for specific prioritised sampling scenarios, guidance on general MSI validation activities, and recommendations on technology transfer and feasibility of developing additional MSI related resources (e.g. an MSI database).
Samples of tea, herbal infusions, honey and plant-based supplements were analysed for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Overall, the levels were low and similar to other published reports. Exposure to PAs should be minimised as they can be harmful to human health.
This report contains a review of evidence relating to potential risks and other unintended consequences of replacing oil-based plastic food packaging and other food contact materials with bio-based food contact materials (BBFCMs). It covers data from a range of sources including scientific literature and grey literature (e.g. government, not-for-profit organisation, academic and industry reports).
Reports looking at the presence of brominated flame retardants in food, baby foods and instant formulae.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence of a range of regulated and emerging organic environmental contaminants in duck and other non-hen eggs that are available for sale in the UK
Research into the occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in chocolate, banana chips and herbs, spices, supplements and tea.
A report measuring chlorate levels in fruit and vegetables.
The Total Diet Study (TDS) represents the average UK diet and is used to estimate the dietary exposure of the general UK population to a range of chemicals in food and make assessments on the safety and/or nutritional quality of food.
The overall aim of this research was to explore consumer awareness, understanding, and perceived risks associated with chemicals in food and how best to communicate the risks attached to these.
Meat and offal (liver and kidney) were collected at slaughter from 112 farm animals predominantly from areas of high geochemical lead.
The study investigated a range of foods to identify and quantify the level of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) formed during the manufacturing process. Measurement of apparent total nitroso compounds (ATNC) was used to screen for the presence of NOC and methodology developed to try and identify and quantity the NOC present. The levels of NOC found were low and unlikely to be a risk to health.
Lead is a naturally occurring chemical contaminant that is present in soil, water and the atmosphere, including as the result of human activities in the past. Due to its presence in the environment, lead is likely to occur at low levels in a wide range of foods including tea. Plants including tea plants can uptake lead via their roots and by deposition on foliage. This is not a new risk and people are exposed to lead in their diet from many sources. It is not possible to avoid exposure to lead from food.
The FSA is working with partners in the UK and the EU to reduce cadmium levels in food where possible. The FSA undertakes and publishes various studies of cadmium levels in food and agrees appropriate legislation to promote food safety.
A total of 338 UK samples of cereal based products, vegetables, oilseeds and teas, and 17 single grain flours sampled directly at mills were analysed for tropane alkaloids (TAs). TAs were detected at low levels in 18% of the samples.
A survey of metals and other elements in commercial infant foods, infant formula and non-infant specific foods
In support of the Agency’s commitment to reduce reliance on animal tests and improve risk management of contaminated shellfish, this study validates the LC-MS/MS method, making it a suitable chemical alternative for use in the UK Official Biotoxins Monitoring Programme for the analysis of marine lipophilic toxins in mussels, cockles, oysters, scallops, razor clams and hard clams.
In response to an ever increasing need for alternative quantitative testing methods for shellfish, the Agency has commissioned research to develop and validate suitable chemical methods for the routine and official determination of shellfish biotoxins known to cause human illness.
This confirms the validity and suitability of AOAC HPLC method 2005.06 for the analysis of PSP toxins in oysters, recommending it as a far more accurate replacement for the oyster MBA test in the UK Official Biotoxins Monitoring Programme.
This refines and validates AOAC HPLC method 2005.06, making it suitable for use in the UK Official Biotoxins Monitoring Programme for the analysis of PSP toxins in whole scallops.
This extends the validation of AOAC HPLC method 2005.06 for use in the UK Official Biotoxins Monitoring Programme for the analysis of PSP toxins in minor clam species.
FACET is a publicly available exposure assessment software system which will estimate exposure to flavours, additives and food contact materials across Europe. It reflects the real exposure of a targeted population to a food chemical, taking into account the variability of concentration and the real occurrence for each food category.
This research project aims to develop methods to assess the health effects from mixtures of food chemicals by using four well characterised food additives.
This research aims to explore the issue of acrylamide generation from the consumer perspective. It will fill a gap in understanding around the extent to which consumers are exposed to acrylamide, and the cooking practices and behaviours consumers engage in which potentially influence their level of exposure.
During the period of November 2011 to December 2012, this survey sampled a wide range of 300 UK retail products that included French fries, bread, cereals, biscuits, coffee, baby food, popcorn, cakes, pastries and chocolate. There were 294 analyses for acrylamide and 113 for furan, on a combination of the retail products.
This project will investigate 3-aminopropionamide (3-APA) in food.