Professor Chris Elliott
Professor of Food Safety at Queen’s University Belfast
Chris is Professor of Food Safety and Founder of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast. He served as Pro Vice Chancellor responsible for the Medical and Life Sciences Faculty between 2015 and 2018 and has published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles, many of them relating to the detection and control of agriculture, food, and environmental contaminants.
OpinionThe Great SPS Reset – what it means for farmers, food businesses and consumers
The announcement that the UK and the EU are moving towards a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement represents, in Professor Chris Elliott’s opinion, one of the most significant developments in UK food policy since Brexit.
OpinionThe US–Iran conflict: the latest stress test for UK food security
Professor Chris Elliott reflects on the impact of the evolving war in the middle east to UK food security, reaffirming his belief that urgent policy action is needed to prioritise the longevity of our food system.
OpinionNet Zero and the hidden cost to food security
Reflecting on a recent industry report, Professor Chris Elliott finds clarity in the true measure of sustainability in our food system – and it’s not all about emissions.
OpinionMycotoxins: the silent, escalating threat to global food security
Amid the countless prominent effects of climate change lies a growing problem that’s been sidelined and misunderstood for too long. Professor Chris Elliott reveals why we must collectively sharpen up our approach to tackling mycotoxins in our food.
OpinionFrom South America to the Irish border: how the EU–Mercosur deal could reshape UK food risk
New trade deals bring new opportunities – for the scrupulous and the not-so scrupulous. Here Professor Chris Elliott highlights where vigilance will be needed to head off potential deceptions from opportunistic trade exploiters.
OpinionFood fraud 2026 and beyond: new targets, tactics and risks
Drawing on his extensive insight and all the data he can lay his hands on, Professor Chris Elliott reveals the areas most at risk of exploitation in our food system, highlighting the questionable benevolence of AI as both friend and foe.
OpinionNew powers and a new era: reshaping the fight against food crime
The NFCU has earned its stripes and is now equipped with much needed long-awaited powers to intercept food crime. Commenting on the Unit’s recent annual report, Professor Chris Elliott divulges the scope of its new capabilities – vital to help combat the pervasive murky threat of food fraud.
ArticleThe tomato shockwave: how one Panorama story is causing massive shifts in a global supply chain
Food industry shockwaves generated by the Xinjiang-region tomato exposé last year have been significant; but Professor Chris Elliott has wider concerns that no one is talking about…
OpinionThe FSA’s stance on nitrites in processed meat – a pale imitation of evidence-based policy making
Professors Chris Elliot and Brian Green question the FSA’s motivation behind its recent pseudo review into the safety of nitrates and nitrites, noting its patchy research and apparent lack of vigour in protecting the UK public.
ArticleBritain’s breaking point: why our food system is failing the security test
The core priorities of the UK National Security Strategy have missed the mark, say UK farmers. Here, Professor Chris Elliott asserts the food industry’s call for decisive action to properly embed food resilience at the heart of national security.
ArticleOperation OPSON: the world’s annual stress-test for food crime is sending a louder alarm than ever
The results of last year’s food criminality are in. Here, Professor Chris Elliott shares his biggest concerns about the trends he’s noticed, including the increase in organisation and direct threat to public health.
ArticleFrom tip-off to convictions: inside the battle against food crime
Professor Chris Elliott gives exclusive sobering insight into the criminal undertakings of trusted food industry actors – highlighting the extensive work that’s necessary to uncover the source of food fraud.
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Trading away our food security: the collapse of Britain’s bioethanol industry exposes a national vulnerability
Professor Chris Elliott warns that the collapse of the UK’s bioethanol industry is not just an energy issue but a direct threat to national food security. Exposing the trade-offs made in the UK–US deal, he explains how government policy has undermined farmers, destabilised supply chains and left Britain dangerously reliant ...
ArticleTwo reports about one big challenge: the future of food systems
Governments and international bodies are paying attention to key public health and food resilience matters. In fact, they’re writing reports and Chris Elliott has read them – here’s what he has to say.
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Vietnam’s cooking oil crisis: a £250m food fraud scam
A worrying tale has emerged from Vietnam’s food scene that serves as yet another powerful call for provenance we can trust. Chris Elliott reveals all.
ArticleChina-Taiwan conflict: prepare for a tectonic shock to the global food system
Professor Chris Elliott warns that the looming China–Taiwan conflict could have a seismic impact on global food security – from blocked trade routes and fertiliser shortages to serving as a wake-up call for UK national food resilience.
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Harnessing AI and innovation for global food safety
Professor Chris Elliott highlights new innovations and new approaches that are joining the dots for a united food-safe future.
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Big news for small businesses in the fight against food fraud
Professor Chris Elliott reveals a long-awaited resource that could tip the balance in the UK’s ongoing battle against food fraud, and this time thousands of small businesses stand to benefit.
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When predictions start to become a grim reality, food-fraud style
With ears to the ground, Professor Chris Elliott reveals some concerning reports of major international food safety breaches; giving credence to his despondent forecasts.
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The US-UK trade deal versus UK food standards: compromises or kept promises?
Should we be pleased with the outcome of last week’s transatlantic trade negotiations? Chris Elliott gives his take on the landmark trade deal that is tiptoeing where many feared to tread.