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26/04/2005
University to lead £7m food safety research
A multi-million research project, headed by Queen's University announced today, aims to help ease consumers' minds about the safety of food on their plate.
The BioCop initiative, led by Dr Chris Elliott from the Department of Veterinary Science at Stormont, will screen a variety of foodstuffs for multiple contaminants, including pesticides, toxins and drugs. It is believed this is the largest food safety project of its kind in the world.
Queen's will be joined in the five-year project by 31 partners from 15 European countries, as well as Canada, in an effort to develop new technologies which will help ensure that any hidden dangers in many foods are detected long before being consumed by the public.
According to Dr Elliott, the unique initiative involves the use of highly novel techniques aimed at 'fingerprinting' foodstuffs to discover if they contain any chemical contaminants.
"We'll be looking for both man made and natural contaminants, such as pesticides, endocrine disruptors and natural toxins, which can also affect the quality and safety of food,” Dr Elliott said. ”We will also be focusing on contaminants in their totality, rather than looking for individual contaminants.”
The BioCop initiative has received funding of £6.7 million from the EU under its Integrated Project, of which Northern Ireland will receive £840,000.
The Detectox project has a total budget of £560,000, with over half of it, £284,000, coming to Northern Ireland. Both projects are funded under the EC's FP6 Food Quality and Safety Programme.
(MB/SP)
The BioCop initiative, led by Dr Chris Elliott from the Department of Veterinary Science at Stormont, will screen a variety of foodstuffs for multiple contaminants, including pesticides, toxins and drugs. It is believed this is the largest food safety project of its kind in the world.
Queen's will be joined in the five-year project by 31 partners from 15 European countries, as well as Canada, in an effort to develop new technologies which will help ensure that any hidden dangers in many foods are detected long before being consumed by the public.
According to Dr Elliott, the unique initiative involves the use of highly novel techniques aimed at 'fingerprinting' foodstuffs to discover if they contain any chemical contaminants.
"We'll be looking for both man made and natural contaminants, such as pesticides, endocrine disruptors and natural toxins, which can also affect the quality and safety of food,” Dr Elliott said. ”We will also be focusing on contaminants in their totality, rather than looking for individual contaminants.”
The BioCop initiative has received funding of £6.7 million from the EU under its Integrated Project, of which Northern Ireland will receive £840,000.
The Detectox project has a total budget of £560,000, with over half of it, £284,000, coming to Northern Ireland. Both projects are funded under the EC's FP6 Food Quality and Safety Programme.
(MB/SP)
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With the barbecue season upon us, Belfast City Council has issued a timely reminder about the dangers of food poisoning.
Council issues food poisoning warning
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12 October 2005
NI researchers lead major safe food project
A multi-million pound research project on the topic of chemical food safety will be launched today by the European Commission in London and headed by Queen's University.
NI researchers lead major safe food project
A multi-million pound research project on the topic of chemical food safety will be launched today by the European Commission in London and headed by Queen's University.
04 January 2012
Recognition For First APM Register Project Professionals
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recognised the first Northern Ireland recipients of its new APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation.
Recognition For First APM Register Project Professionals
The Association for Project Management (APM) has recognised the first Northern Ireland recipients of its new APM Registered Project Professional (RPP) designation.
05 January 2007
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
Belfast food outlets to be rated online
Eating establishments in Belfast are soon to be rated on a new website to be set up by Belfast City Council. The website, which will be known as 'Scores on the Doors', will provide a facility for consumers to be able check whether the standard of the food served at the premises is up to scratch.
04 October 2004
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
North-South Fire Safety Week launched
A joint north-south Fire Safety Week has been launched today by the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and the Republic of Ireland’s National Safety Council. ‘Fire, Our Community at Risk’ aims to raise public awareness of fire safety issues, and in particular, the higher risk to the very young and elderly people living alone.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
