Government Chemist supports food authenticity testing
Public confidence in the UK food chain is in the spotlight and the impact of contamination of beef with horse meat continues to unfold.
The Government Chemist today published its annual review for 2013 when its role in ensuring the safety and authenticity of food and animal feed was critical.
Government Chemist staff played an important role following the discovery of beef contaminated with horse meat in 2013. Staff provided scientific advice and rigour around the testing regimes used to identify and semi-quantify the levels of adulteration of meat products. There was a high case load of related disputes for analysis under its referee function.
The review outlines the resolution of disputes with more detailed description of cases on carbon monoxide treatment of fish, chemical release from kitchenware and trace contamination.
The Government Chemist is also looking to the future to develop scientific capabilities in areas of emerging concern including food allergens, nanoparticles and metal speciation.
Derek Craston, Government Chemist, said:
The work described within this report is the culmination of the efforts of a dedicated and knowledgeable team of scientists that deliver the analysis, interpretation and dissemination activities.
Download the annual review, 2013.