New Pan-European project on food safety

4 September, 2025

CFA has been invited to contribute to a new EU-funded project that aims to transform the European approach to food safety taking account of the impact of climate change. Looking at grains and fresh produce AMBROSIA will aim to model climate-related risks and their impact on every aspect of the food chain from farm to fork. Dr Rachel Hackett attended the first meeting, which focussed on scoping the project: “This exciting project brings together experts in climate modelling, food safety and risk assessment from 18 organisations across Europe and the UK to share information on what is an accelerating threat […]

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Domestic fridge design comes in from the cold?

4 September, 2025

Domestic fridge design has remained largely unchanged from a consumer’s perspective since their first use in the 1920s. So a long-overdue project, instigated by Karin Goodburn, and funded by FSRN is ongoing using sensor-based technology to improve the design, performance and usage of domestic fridges. Previous work revealed that the energy consumption of different models of fridges was down, not to design, but to how they were used.  Analysis of consumer behaviour is therefore key with focus groups providing insights into how people organise their fridges, food waste management, temperature control, willingness to have their fridges monitored and other considerations. […]

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STEC methodology advancement workstreams underway

4 September, 2025

CFA and the Food Safety Research Network (FSRN) are developing a practical toolkit for sampling, testing, reporting, and actions to demonstrate due diligence in managing Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) risks in ready-to-eat foods. Four interlinked workstreams have been established: Sampling (co-chaired by Karin Goodburn): refine guidance, assess existing data, identify gaps, and define data management when STEC is detected. Testing: catalogue current tests, engage with UKAS/HSE on certification, update terminology, provide interpretation tools, and outline an “ideal” test toolkit with R&D priorities. Reporting: standardise laboratory reports, define reporting triggers, establish pathways, and improve data-sharing between regulators, producers, and industry. […]

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