New research opportunities

The FSA is inviting researchers to tender for two new projects. The first is qualitative research to explore the public’s views on labelling of GM food and the second aims to explore how food safety is considered during the procurement of food in the UK public sector.

Public views on GM labelling

A recent European Commission report recommended harmonising existing national ‘GM-free’ labelling schemes.

To ensure the UK public’s needs are reflected in EU discussions and in UK policy development on the use of ‘GM-free’ labelling, and the labelling of products from animals fed GM feed, the FSA wants to explore the public’s response to the use of GM-free labelling schemes in the UK.

Applications from researchers should be submitted by 21 February 2012.

Examining food safety in public sector procurement

Problems with food procurement have been identified as key contributors to incidents of listeriosis in people in care settings and also to the 2005 E.coli O157 outbreak in South Wales.

The FSA is inviting researchers to tender to map public sector food procurement in the UK and to identify examples of good practice when awarding and monitoring contracts. This information will be used to develop a framework to ensure food safety in public sector food procurement.

In England the public sector is estimated to spend about 2 billion pounds a year on food procurement. This includes approximately 300 million NHS meals and 617 million school meals.

Applications from researchers should be submitted by 9 March 2012.

For more information and how to apply click here >>