Representatives from government agencies, enforcement bodies, laboratories and industry feature in the programme which is designed to demonstrate the importance of measurement in the fight against fraud, and ensuring food authenticity and safety.
Derek Craston, who has held the post of Government Chemist since 2008, will open the conference and provide context to the presentations and discussions that will occur over two days. Professor Chris Elliott will then provide a keynote presentation outlining the conclusions from his review into the integrity and assurance of food supply networks.
The speakers that follow over the two day event include Liz Moran, President of the Association of Public Analysts, who will discuss modernisation of the public analyst service; Chun-Han Chan, from the Food Standards Agency, who will highlight the implications of the Food Information Regulations 2014 due to come into force in December; Paul Brereton from the Food and Environment Research Agency who will outline the Food Integrity project which aims to address many of the post-horsemeat scandal issues at a European level; and Lucy Foster from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who will discuss the priorities and challenges relating to food authenticity.
In a series of presentations aimed to demonstrate how measurement supports security of the food chain, scientists from LGC will present the latest cutting edge analytical methods and research developments. This will include the use of isotope ratio measurements in the determination of food authenticity and origin; making food allergen reference materials – the need and the reality; and performance verification of the methods used for food safety analysis. Speakers from Campden BRI and Leatherhead Food Research will also describe how measurement supports the food industry in ensuring the quality and authenticity of products.
To help shape the direction of future research projects, the conference will include a discussion and feedback session on the Food Standards Agency research programme for improved methods of analysis.
Derek Craston said: “Sharing scientific knowledge and best practice is vital to help tackle the issues at the heart of the recent food scandals. Knowledge exchange is a key feature of the Government Chemist programme and I am delighted that we have such a strong programme of speakers for this year’s conference who are willing to share their considerable expertise.”
The conference is aimed at scientists, regulators, enforcement agencies, industry and policy makers who are responsible for making measurements or using measurement data.
Beating the cheats: Quality, safety and authenticity in the food chain
24 - 25 November 2014 The Royal Society, Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG
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