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Food Standards Agency

Sunday 5 July 2009

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Food contact materials research

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Agency research and survey work that investigates chemical contaminants from food contact materials.

Quantification and protocol development

As well as providing information and practical methods to help the Agency meet its consumer safety objectives, this research helps to provide a sound scientific basis for UK input to negotiations in the European Union.

This programme of research includes the quantification of chemical migration and the development of appropriate test protocols, as well as more fundamental work to increase understanding of the factors affecting chemical migration.

A diverse range of topics is investigated under this programme, such as the measurement of packaged food intake, chemical migration from active and intelligent packaging migration studies on irradiated food packaging. The research programme is managed carefully to ensure value for money in both the science it produces and its relevance to the work of the Agency. Projects are awarded to contractors after open competition.

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Independent advice

‘The Agency's research programme into chemical migration from food contact materials and articles into food provides the information to ensure that this chemical migration does not endanger people's health. ’

The Working Party on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food or Drink provides independent advice on what research is needed and how it is carried out. To ensure that the projects relate to current practice, the membership of the Working Party includes experts from industry as well as consumer and regulatory interests. The activities of the Working Party are currently structured around an annual meeting, held in the spring. The meeting reviews research projects in progress and considers future research needs

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Current research

The 2008 meeting reviewed the following current research projects:

If you have any questions about this research theme please contact Edward Potter on 020 7276 8550 or by email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

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Find out more

A03063: Screening tests for visible and non-visible set-off

A03070: Bio based materials used in food contact applications: an assessment of the migration potential

Chemical Contaminants from Food Contact Materials and Articles - Research Programme (A03)

Details of the Agency-funded chemical contaminants from food contact materials and articles research programme.

Research Programme A03: List of Projects

Details of Agency-funded projects under the Food Contact Material research programme (A03).

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