Food safety
The latest chemistry news and research on food safety, including microbiological analysis, chemical contaminants and food hygiene, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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FeatureThe problem of plastic in our soils
Not just a marine issue, new research shows microplastics are also changing agricultural land. Bárbara Pinho finds out how and what we can do to prevent it affecting our food
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OpinionWhy we need public analysts
As the Association of Public Analysts winds up, Duncan Campbell reflects on the continued importance of the profession
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OpinionWhat’s lurking in your drink and drugs?
How to test illicit substances at festivals and identify the rodent in your beer
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WebinarThe science of CBD: exploring safe limits
Explore the science behind the new guidelines on safe consumption of (cannabidiol) CBD
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FeatureThe wonder of whisky
Kit Chapman takes a closer look at the chemistry of the water of life, from the slow reactions of its ageing to testing for fakes
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NewsFDA bans use of brominated vegetable oil in food and drink
Manufacturers have one year to comply as US regulator bans additive over safety concerns
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ResearchXylitol latest sugar alcohol to be linked to heart attacks and strokes
Questions remain on whether low-calorie sweetener also made in the body is a cause or marker of future cardiovascular problems
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NewsEuropean Commission to consult on bisphenol A ban in food packaging
The action comes after the EU’s food safety body identified BPA as a human health concern last year
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NewsTesting extends range of US chocolate foods containing lead and cadmium
Consumer Reports calls on brands to do more to lower levels of metals in their products
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NewsCalifornia ban on four food additives could spur wider action across US
New law prohibiting brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben and red dye 3 in food uses is effective January 2027
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NewsEuropeans’ BPA exposure still exceeds safety threshold but levels may be starting to fall
Europe’s environment agency finds that BPA levels in the urine of 92% of adults from 11 European nations exceeds safe limit
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NewsArtificial sweeteners face more bad press – but is it unfair?
A raft of recent studies and World Health Organization advice leave sweeteners on the ropes, but health experts warn they shouldn’t be considered in isolation
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ResearchUnexpected reactivity of silica places question mark over safety of food additives
Discovery that silica particles – thought to be inert – can oxidise thiols requires further investigation
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ResearchDigestion of artificial sweetener sucralose appears to create metabolite that damages DNA
A compound formed when Splenda is consumed – and is even found in off-the-shelf sucralose – is suspected to be genotoxic
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NewsIndustry awaits decision on BPA as EU health bodies disagree on safe levels
European Food Safety Authority recommends 20,000-fold reduction in BPA levels
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NewsItalian government considers banning lab-grown meat
Proposed law would prohibit the production or sale of cultivated meat in Italy, and other synthetic foods grown from cells
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ResearchSweetener erythritol linked to heart problems
Comprehensive study discovers high dietary intake of erythritol correlates with increased risk of heart attack similar to having diabetes
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FeatureOmega-3s and brain health
Modern diets can leave us short on essential fatty acids. Barbara Pinho looks into how this is affecting our health and our brains in particular