Rapid Risk Assessment: What is the risk from microcystins in the edible flesh of fish caught from Lough Neagh?
Risk question: What is the risk from microcystins in the edible flesh of fish caught from Lough Neagh?
Nitrate Surveillance Monitoring Program Annual report (April 2022 to March 2023)
The annual report provides the results and analysis of year three of the five-year survey.
Product Survey of Cat Food for Mycotoxins
The Food Standards Agency commissioned Fera Science Limited to carry out a survey to obtain occurrence data for a range of mycotoxins in 20 dry and 20 wet cat food samples at two sampling time points.
Nitrate Surveillance Monitoring Program (Annual Report May 2021 - March 2022)
This Annual Report presents findings on levels of nitrate in lettuce, spinach and rocket between the 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022.
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2020
The annual Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report found levels of man-made radioactivity remain below the legal limit.
Validation of Multispectral Imaging (MSI) technology for food and feed analysis
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).
Market and safety analysis of alternatives to plastic food packaging
This project was undertaken to investigate the health and economic implications of plastic food packaging alternatives. It is designed to facilitate an evidence-based, coordinated response to the proliferation of plastic alternatives, one that considers balancing consumer safety with innovation.
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2019
The annual Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2019 shows that the level of man-made radioactivity to which people in the UK are exposed remained below the legal limit.
A critical review of microbiological colonisation of nano- and microplastics (NMPs) and their significance to the food chain
This project will critically review the science literature to determine the diversity of microorganisms that colonise nano and microplastics (NMPs), the key pathways these microbiologically contaminated plastics can enter the food chain and the risk that they pose to human health. This review will also consider antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation.
Occurrence of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Food
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.
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2018
The annual Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2018 shows that the level of man-made radioactivity to which people in the UK are exposed remained below the legal limit.
Bio-Based Materials for Use in Food Contact Applications
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).
Brominated Flame Retardants in food, baby foods and infant formulae
Reports looking at the presence of brominated flame retardants in food, baby foods and instant formulae.
Contaminants in duck and other speciality eggs
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
Occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Research into the occurrence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in chocolate, banana chips and herbs, spices, supplements and tea.
Monitoring of chlorate in fruit and vegetables
A report measuring chlorate levels in fruit and vegetables.
Total diet study: metals and other elements
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.
Consumer understanding of food risk: chemicals (January 2016)
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.
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2017
The annual Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report 2017 shows that the level of man-made radioactivity to which people in the UK are exposed remained below the EU legal limit.
Geochemical lead contamination of cattle, sheep and free range chickens on UK farms
Meat and offal (liver and kidney) were collected at slaughter from 112 farm animals predominantly from areas of high geochemical lead.
Levels of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) in UK consumed foods
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.
Analyses of lead levels in tea
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.
Analyses of cadmium, dioxins, furans and biphenyls in meat, liver and kidney from cattle
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.
Monitoring of tropane alkaloids in food
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.