In a bid to mitigate associated health risks and to reduce children’s exposure to harmful contaminants, the European Commission imposed a maximum limit for inorganic arsenic concentrations for manufacturers to comply with. Following recent testing on multiple rice varieties sold in the UK, researchers have found that half of the rice samples in the study exceeded the maximum arsenic limits for young children. Read more

When consumers are asked about contaminant risks in food, the usual concerns focus on microbes, pesticides or heavy metals such as lead. Plant toxins would probably not feature. After all, plant products are natural, so they must be healthy, right? Read more

In 2019, new regulations relating to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Europe were introduced; that require plant protection products and biocides to be assessed for endocrine activity. Read more

A Scottish honey is set to take on its global rivals after being revealed as a world-leading superfood in a recent scientific study. The Scottish Bee Company’s heather honey contains up to 10 times more of the essential micronutrient, manganese, compared to 200 of its global rivals. This unique Scottish honey is also amongst the world’s top manganese containing food products. Read more

"High protein” is increasingly being used globally to market an expanding range of products, such as smoothies and snack bars. But what really is protein and is it all the same? Read more

The UK awaits the independent review from Henry Dimbleby which will direct the National Food Strategy. The Strategy will address food integrity (= safety and security) whilst reducing environmental impact. Read more

Since the environmental DNA proficiency test scheme was introduced in 2017, Fera have participated in each of the rounds and this year scored another perfect result. All 10 blind samples, which included positive, negative and inhibited results, were correctly identified. Read more

Regulations for testing the impacts of pesticides, insecticides and other chemical compounds on the environment are becoming increasingly stringent. Read more

Announcing today on BBC Breakfast, Emily Miles, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), is making it clear to industry that any CBD product producers who wish to sell their products in the UK ‘has a deadline of 31 March 2021 to submit valid novel food authorisation applications'. Read more

Fera Science Limited’s proficiency testing group, Fapas® is making a significant contribution to help the Baby Food Council. Read more