This is the fourth in a series of quarterly reports
produced under the Government Chemist Programme
2017-2020. The reports provide a compendium of UK
food and feed law of interest to the Government
Chemist, Public Analysts and those working primarily
in food and feed standards. The aim is to provide
regular updates, to ensure contextual awareness and
assist in the interpretation of chemical measurement
data.
In keeping with the changed emphasis that withdrawal
from the European Union is likely to bring, the
reports now attempt to include developments in Codex
(Codex Alimentarius) and other major trading blocs
such as the US. International and European measures
are cited along with the implementing domestic
legislation. Potentially temporary and local
measures, such as prohibition legislation for
shellfish harvesting areas, have not been recorded.
The main issues which cut across multiple areas are
concerned with UK exiting the EU, reports from the
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United
Nations (UN) and World Health Organisations (WHO).
The report also provides information about the newly
formed Food and Drink Sector Council.
This report covers a wide range of updates in
technical areas. Developments in European Court cases
related to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO),
contaminants in refined oils, food additives and food
contact materials are covered. Novel Foods
Regulations came into force during the period, and in
that area the report covers the authorisation to
place in the market of both Ecklonia cava
phlorotannins (obtained via alcohol extraction from
the edible marine alga Ecklonia cava) and a
traditional Korean preparation containing three main
families of compounds (coumarins, iridoids and
phenols) that is meant to provide relief from the
symptoms of menopause.
Other topics where legislation has been updated or
reviewed are for pesticide residues, seaweed (metals
and iodine) and the sugar levy introduced for the
soft drink industry.
The report is extensive and covers in detail all the
topics mentioned and more.
