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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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
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FeatureAre everyday chemicals contributing to global obesity?
Research in animal models suggests the simple ‘energy in, energy out’ model doesn’t tell the whole story. Anthony King talks to researchers worried about obesogens