FSA injects £650k into research network to tackle future food safety risks

icrobiological research, like those conducted by the FSRN, is key to identifying future food safety risks. Credit: Shutterstock

The UK Food Safety Research Network (FSRN) has secured £650,000 in funding from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The investment guarantees the network’s operations for another three years, empowering it to continue its vital work bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and practical industry solutions.

The involvement of these specific partners adds significant weight to the initiative. Hosted by the Quadram Institute, a centre renowned for its world-class research into gut health, food innovation and microbial threats, the FSRN is grounded in practical, cutting-edge science. The co-funding from BBSRC, the UK’s primary investor in non-medical biological sciences, highlights the strategic importance of this work, connecting fundamental research with real-world food industry applications.

A proactive approach to emerging risks

The funding renewal signals a continued commitment to a more forward-thinking regulatory environment. By bringing together nearly 500 members from 290 organisations, including researchers, food businesses and policymakers, the network aims to proactively identify and mitigate risks before they become public health issues.

“At the FSA, science is at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr Rick Mumford, Deputy Chief Scientific Adviser at the FSA. “The network plays a critical role in helping us stay ahead of emerging food safety risks and in shaping an agile and evidence-based approach to regulation”

This collaborative model allows the FSA and industry leaders to anticipate challenges across the entire food system, rather than simply reacting to them.

Proven success and future ambitions

Since its launch, the FSRN has already made a significant impact, delivering 42 collaborative research projects and distributing £1.88m in funding to research consortia. This track record of success is set to accelerate in its next phase.

Dr Matthew Gilmour, FSRN co-director and a Quadram Institute research group leader, commented: “We are hitting the ground running with real energy and purpose. The Food Safety Research Network has shown what is possible when you bring food businesses and researchers into the same room to solve real-world problems”

As a key horizon-scanning tool, the network will sharpen its focus on key emerging risks and future food systems, including:

• microbial threats in ready-to-eat foods
• safety challenges posed by novel proteins and vertical farming
• the impact of climate change on food production
• evolving home food safety practices.

This renewed support ensures the UK food system remains resilient, innovative and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

More information from the FSRN available here.