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Chemical Contaminants in Food

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Natural toxicants
The development of sampling plans for ochratoxin A in cereals and similar particulate commodities.	To sample consignments of barley (or wheat) and green coffee containing detectable amounts of ochratoxin A in a manner which will permit comparison of the results which would have been obtained using three sampling plans currently used for aflatoxin.	April 1997 to March 1998	March 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich	yes^d
The development of computer-simulated sampling plans for mycotoxins in cereals and cereal derived commodities.	To devise a sampling scheme for mycotoxins which will include plans for the major cereals, such as maize, wheat, rye, rice and barley and their derived commodities.	May 1997 to December 1998	May 1999	RHM Technology	yes^d
Duplicate diet study amongst vegetarians.	To collect two batches of fifty diets samples from a group of fifty vegetarians and to subsequently analyse the samples for a range of natural toxicants to establish the exposure of vegetarians in the UK population to these toxicants.	May 1997 to November 1998	April 1999	BMRB International and CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich	yes^{a b}
Analysis and metabolism of plant oestrogens levels in the diets of infants and toddlers.	To measure isoflavonoid phytoestrogen levels in soya-based infant formulae and other soya-containing foods which might be consumed by infants. The ability of infants and toddlers to metabolise ingested isoflavonoid plant oestrogens will be estimated by measuring isoflavonoid metabolites in the urine of infants fed soya-based formula, cows' milk-based formula and breast milk.	November 1995 to October 1998	May 1999	Reading University	Some results excluded under b
Survey for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and fumonisins in maize.	This survey aims to assess the degree to which aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and fumonisins occur in raw whole maize imported into the UK for human consumption.	June 1998 to May 1999	August 1999	KAS Mycotoxins / RHM Technology.	yes^c
1998 Survey of apple juice for patulin.	To determine the levels of patulin in apple juice. This project will establish the exposure of the UK population to this mycotoxin and confirm whether the downward trend in patulin levels identified by previous surveys is continuing.	May 1998 to September 1998	March 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Ochratoxin A surveillance: retail products 1998.	This project will determine levels of ochratoxin A in a range of retail products. These data will enable further assessment of the exposure of the UK population to ochratoxin A and may be used in forthcoming EC negotiations.	May 1998 to March 1999	July 1999	RHM Technology.
Inorganic contaminants
Lead and cadmium in raw (unprocessed) foodstuffs	To determine the concentrations of lead and cadmium in raw commodities to inform negotiations on the proposed European Commission Regulation setting maximum limits for lead and cadmium in food.	April 1998 to March 1999	July 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^c
Multi-element survey of Total Diet Study samples.	To determine the concentrations of metals and other elements in 1997 Total Diet Study samples to make dietary intake estimates of the general UK population.	April 1998 to March 1999	August 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^a
Multi-element survey of allotment produce.	To assess the risks to consumers of allotment produce by estimation of dietary exposures and comparison with the concentrations of metals and other elements in agricultural produce.	July 1998 to June 1999	September 1999	University of Bristol.	yes^b
Multi-element survey of free foods.	To investigate whether foods gathered from the wild can be used as indicators of environmental pollution and assess the risks to consumers of these foods.	July 1998 to June 1999	September 1999	University of Bristol.	yes^b
Iodine in milk	To obtain comprehensive data on the concentrations of iodine in milk on sale in the UK taking into account regional and seasonal differences. This will allow a more accurate estimation of the exposure of the population to this contaminant.	June 1998 to April 1999	July 1999	Laboratory of the Government Chemist.
Multi-element survey of infant foods.	To provide data on the concentrations of aluminium, antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin and zinc in infant foods to assess trace element exposures of infants.	April 1997 to December 1998	March 1999	AEA Technology plc and CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich
Nitrate in lettuce and spinach	To provide data on the nitrate concentrations in samples of retail samples of lettuce and spinach collected in summer and winter 1998. Results will inform review of European Commission Regulation No. 194/97.	July 1998 to January 1999	March 1999	ADAS Laboratories, Wolverhampton
UK monitoring Programme for nitrate in lettuce and spinach	Carried out as a requirement of European Commission Regulation No. 194/97. Results will be used to inform review of this Regulation.	details to be confirmed	details to be confirmed	details to be confirmed
Survey of tin in canned tomato products	To provide data on the concentrations of tin in retail samples of canned tomato products following the withdrawal from sale of some products with elevated tin levels. Results will be used to assess consumers' exposure to tin in these products.	details to be confirmed	details to be confirmed	Campden and Chorleywood Food Research Association
Metals and other elements in vegetarian diets.	To determine 12 metals and other elements in samples from a duplicate diet study of vegetarians' diets. Results will provide more accurate estimates of dietary exposure of vegetarians to these contaminants.	May 1997 to December 1998	March 1999	BMRB International and CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich	yes^{a b}
Organic environmental contaminants
Survey for dioxins and PCBs in 1997 Total Diet Study samples.	To determine the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in Total Diet Study samples in order to assess consumer exposure to these chemicals from the UK diet.	June 1998 to May 1999	September 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^a
Survey for dioxins and PCBs in cows' milk from individual farms in rural and urban/industrialised areas.	To establish an up-to-date range of the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in cows' milk from individual farms in rural and urban/industrialised areas of the UK, for comparison with previous surveys.	7 months	To be finalised depending on start date.	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^e
Dioxins and PCBs in shellfish.	To provide information on the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in edible shellfish available in the UK.	April 1997 to December 1998	July 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Dioxins and PCBs in marine fish.	To determine the contribution of marine fish to dietary intakes.	April 1995 to August 1998	March 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Dioxins and PCBs in free range duck and hens eggs.	To determine the contribution of free range eggs to dietary intakes and to determine whether free range eggs can be used to identify local sources of dioxins and PCBs in the absence of dairy farms.	May 1994 to November 1998	April 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Dioxins and PCBs in infant formulae.	To provide information on the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in infant formulae for use in intake estimates.	May 1997 to march 1999	July 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Dioxins and PCBs in fats and oils for food production.	To determine the concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in fats and oils used in the manufacture of foodstuffs.	May 1997 to June 1999	September 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Residues of non-active ingredients of pesticide formulations.	To determine dietary intakes of non-active pesticide ingredients via food treated with pesticides. Some non-active ingredients of pesticide formulations (nonyl phenol, dodecylbenzene and glycol ethers) are prioritised organic chemicals.	May 1995 to March 1999	March 1999	RHM Technology, High Wycombe	yes^c
Analysis of synthetic nitromusks in foods.	To determine concentrations of synthetic nitromusks in Total Diet Study samples, in retail samples of those food groups which are expected to make the largest contribution to dietary intakes, and in human milk.	June 1995 to March 1999	July 1999	Leatherhead Food Research Association
Analysis of chlorinated paraffins and chlorinated solvents in foods.	To determine concentrations of chlorinated paraffins and chlorinated solvents in Total Diet Study Samples, and in retails samples of those food groups which are expected to make the largest contribution to dietary intakes.	September 1995 to March 1999	July 1999	Leatherhead Food Research Association
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in TDS samples.	To determine concentrations of PAHs in Total Diet Study samples, and in dietary supplement fish oils.	April 1996 to June 1999	August 1999	Rowett Institute
Survey of dioxins and PCBs in cows' milk from individual farms in the Bolsover and Rotherham areas.	To check that concentrations of dioxins and PCBs in milk from farms in these areas remain below the Maximum Tolerable Concentration.	July 1998 to December 1998	March 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^e
Survey of individual phthalates in fatty foods.	A previous Total Diet survey showed that fatty foods made a significant contribution to the dietary intakes of phthalates. A survey of 250 retail samples, followed by 80 samples of poultry and eggs, from different producers or points in the production and retail chain, will be analysed to establish the point and route of contamination. A method for the analysis of monoester metabolites in animal products will be developed and applied to an agreed subset of samples.	June 1996 to March 1999	July 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
An investigation into the identity, levels and origins of specific phthalates in dairy products at various stages of production.	A previous survey received media publicity regarding oestrogenic effects of phthalates in infant formulae although estimated intakes of individual phthalates from these sources were below the TDIs where these have been set.	July 1996 to March 1999	July 1999	Leatherhead Food Research Association	yes^c

Chemical Contaminants from Food Contact Materials and Articles

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Survey of retail paper and board food packaging materials for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).	To measure the levels of PCBs in retail paper and board intended for food contact use, and any migration into food.	April 1996 to February 1998	March 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Survey of packaging used for take away food.	To analyse the range of packaging materials employed for take away foods, for potential migrants and their migration levels in food.	June 1997 to March 1999	July 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Survey of styrene in 1997 total diet samples	To analyse composite food samples from the 1997 Total Diet Study for styrene.	June 1997 to January 1999	April 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^a
Survey to establish household usage of plastic packaging and storage of canned foods.	To examine the use of plastic packaging and storage of canned foods in the home.	June 1997 to December 1998	May 1999	BMRB International.	yes^d
Survey of chemical migration from can coatings into food and beverages.	To undertake a comprehensive survey of retail canned foods and beverages to determine the levels of selected substances that have migrated from the internal can coatings. a) Epichlorohydrin b) Isophthalic and terephthalic acid c) Bisphenol A d) BADGE, BFDGE and BADGE degradation products	January 1998 to January 2000	a) December 1998 b) May 1999 c) November 1999 d) May 2000	Pira International.
Survey of aqueous food and drink for possible migration of mercaptobenzothiazole and related vulcanisation residues.	To investigate samples of food and drink for residues of vulcanisation accelerators used to make natural rubber and nitrile rubber.	June 1998 to August 1999	December 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Survey of potential migration of benzophenone from paper and board packaging materials into food.	To determine whether benzophenone is present in retail foods at levels which could pose a risk to health.	April 1998 to June 1999	December 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.
Survey of epoxidized soya bean oil (ESBO) migration into baby food from PVC seals.	To determine the levels of ESBO present in baby foods packed in glass jars sealed with caps containing PVC gaskets.	April 1998 to May 1999	September 1999	Pira International.

Dietary Surveys

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
National Diet and Nutrition Survey: young people aged 4-18 years.	To provide detailed quantitative information on the food and nutrient intakes, sources of nutrients and nutritional status of young people.	February 1996 to October 1999	November 1999	Office of National Statistics and MRC Human Nutrition Research	yes^b
National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19-64 years.	To provide detailed quantitative information on the food and nutrient intakes, sources of nutrients and nutritional status of adults.	September 1998 to June 2002	mid 2002	Office for National Statistics and MRC Human Nutrition Research	yes^b
Scoping study for a survey of diet and nutrition in people with low incomes.	To recommend a protocol to identify and recruit individuals or households for a proposed survey of diet and nutrition in people with low incomes; and to critically review the applicability of dietary survey methodology for a survey of this group.	May 1998 to September 1998	January 1999	London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Social and Community Planning Research.	yes^c

Food Additives

Area of work	Objectives	Duration	Expected Reporting Date	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Surveillance of annatto in foods	Carry out a survey of annatto in composite samples of foods permitted to contain this colouring material.	April 1997 to September 1998	May 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich.	yes^a
Survey of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) in acid hydrolysed vegetable protein (acid-HVP).	Carry out a survey of 3-MCPD in the food ingredient, acid-HVP to check for compliance with the Food Advisory Committee's guideline limit of 10 ppb.	October 1998 to March 199	June 1999	CSL Food Science Laboratory, Norwich	yes^c
Survey of red and yellow colours used in sauces on ethnic foods and fresh meat.	Carry out a UK wide survey of level of colours present in the sauces and glazes used on or intended for use on ethnic meat dishes or fresh meat	August 1998 to March 1999	May 1999	Reading Scientific Services Ltd

Food Authenticity

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Identification of meat species in meat products.	To investigate whether the meat species named on a label of a meat product sold in the UK is correct and corresponds to the species present in the product.	December 1997 to May 1998.	January 1999	Consortium of contractors.
Adulteration of olive oils.	To investigate whether olive oils sold in the UK are being substituted or adulterated with cheaper vegetable oils or lower grades of olive oil.	December 1997 to May 1998.	April 1999	Consortium of contractors.
Adulteration of orange juice.	To investigate whether orange juice sold in the UK is being adulterated, and if so, to identify the adulterating material.	January 1997 to March 1998.	January 1999	Consortium of contractors.
Adulteration of speciality oils for culinary use.	To investigate whether speciality oils (walnut, sesame, grapeseed and hazelnut) sold in the UK are being substituted or adulterated with cheaper vegetable oils.	April 1998 to August 1998	April 1999	Consortium of contractors.
Adulteration of apple juice.	To investigate whether apple juice sold in the UK is being adulterated, and if so, to identify the adulterating material.	January 1999 to March 1999	Summer 1999	Consortium of contractors.
Description of tuna products	To investigate the mislabelling or misdescription of tuna products containing bonito or species of tuna other than indicated on the label	November 1998 to April 1999	August 1999	Consortium of contractors.

Nutrients in Food

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Survey of dietary supplements for essential fatty acids.	To determine the fatty acid content of a range of dietary supplements.	July 1995 to May 1999	December 1999	Laboratory of the Government Chemist.	yes^a
Nutrient analysis of cheese.	To provide up to date and reliable information on the nutrient content of cheese.	May 1998 to December 1998	June 1999	Laboratory of the Government Chemist.	yes^a
Nutrient analysis of bread and morning goods.	To provide up to date and reliable information on the nutrient content of bread and morning goods.	August 1998 to December 1998	June 1999	Laboratory of the Government Chemist	yes^a
Nutrient analysis of ice cream and desserts.	To provide up to date and reliable information on the nutrient content of desserts and ice cream.	August 1998 to December 1998	June 1999	ADAS	yes^a

Radionuclides in Food

Area of Work	Objectives	Duration¹	Expected Reporting Date¹	Contractor	Surveys Excluded from Publication of Brand Names
Field hardening of the sheep radiocaesium monitor.	The final stage of a project to replace the existing sheep monitors used to assess compliance with the post Chernobyl nuclear accident sheep movement and slaughter controls.	April 1998 to August 1998	January 1999	National Radiological Protection Board.	yes^d
Investigation of methods available for the practical utilisation of (left) censored environmental measurement data.	Radioactivity concentrations in foodstuffs are often less than the analytical procedure Limit of Detection, i.e. the data is said to be 'censored'. The project will review and investigate mathematical techniques available to provide more realistic, but still conservative, estimates of censored data values consistent with the available data.	April 1998 to December 1999	February 2000	National Radiological Protection Board.	yes^d
Continuation of a QA programme for the measurement of radioactivity in foodstuffs.	To continue the intercomparison exercises between laboratories who are or may analyse foodstuffs under contract to MAFF.	April 1998 to September 1999	November 1999	AEA Technology.	yes^c
Improved analytical techniques for Ce-144.	To develop a more sensitive technique for determining Ce-144 in foodstuffs.	April 1998 to March 1999	May 1999	AEA Technology.	yes^c
Radioactivity in food due to liquid disposals from non-licensed sites.	A desk study to assess the impact of multiple sites discharging effluent to the environment via a single sewage treatment works.	April 1998 to March 1999	May 1999	Quantisci Ltd.	yes^d
Transfer of radioactivity fishmeal in animal feedingstuffs to man.	To assess the impact of radioactivity in fishmeal on UK public radiation exposure through food consumption.	April 1998 to March 1999	May 1999	Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).	yes^c

Footnotes

1. Starting dates, finishing dates and reporting dates where quoted should only be regarded as provisional.
2. Surveys excluded from arrangements to release brand names:
^a Surveys that analyse composite samples of several different brands or foodstuffs.
^b Surveys where individual people or farms are studied.
^c Exploratory studies aimed primarily at developing analytical methodology or assessing survey design and studies to examine the effects of processing or where intermediate products which are not obtainable at the wholesale/retail level are analysed.
^d Survey related activities which do not involve analysis of samples.
^e Although most samples in the survey will be excluded under ^b, 'brand' names will be given where farms are selling directly to the public.

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This page was last updated on 16 February 2000