Response to emergencies involving chemical contamination of the food chain

In the event of incidents or emergencies such as fires, chemical spills or oil spills, the Agency is responsible for protecting consumers from exposure to foodstuffs known or suspected to have been contaminated with accidentally released chemicals. For all types of incident, effective response depends on the ability to gather information rapidly, identify the hazard quickly, quantify the risk and implement a sound and proportionate strategy to protect consumers.

The C06 programme has been established to increase the quality, quantity and availability of information required for effective responses to chemical incidents. It also seeks to develop the tools Agency staff depend on to assess information. The C06 programme includes projects taken from existing Agency programmes and newly commissioned research. Some of the projects which are now part of the C06 programme had previously been part of the C05 programme (Food contamination emergencies), which now concentrates on supporting the Agency's responses to radiological incidents. Close collaboration continues between these two programmes that both support the Agency's ability to respond effectively to any incidents that may arise.

The scientific aims are to:

• Ensure rapid and effective response to incidents or emergencies involving the accidental environmental release of chemicals that may affect the safety of the food chain;
• Support the Agency's strategy on the chemical safety of food by ensuring that chemicals present in food do not compromise food safety; and
• Help ensure that the Agency continues to issue sound, precautionary advice, based on the best available science and take appropriate actions to protect consumers whenever incidents occur.

To achieve these aims, the Agency has identified three areas of activity. First, research is conducted into the pathways by which accidentally released chemicals transfer through the environment and food chain, and this knowledge is used to develop, refine and validate models used for risk assessment. Then, the most up-to-date data on background and safe levels of contaminants in food and the environment is compiled and maintained to facilitate rapid decision making. Finally, these results identify the most effective methods to minimise or prevent dietary exposure to harmful chemicals released during an incident, including identifying particular groups of foods or consumers that are most likely to be susceptible to exposure.

This research enhances the Agency's ability to safeguard food safety and benefit the consumer by helping to ensure that the Agency responds rapidly to any contamination incident and continues to issue sound advice, based on the best available science. This is the most effective way to protect consumers from exposure to foodstuffs, known, or suspected, to be contaminated with accidentally released chemicals.

Name: Terry Donohoe
Tel: 020 7276 8709
Email: terry.donohoe@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk