All articles by Professor Chris Elliott
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OpinionThe bitter taste of sustainable coffee
The world wants and needs sustainable food production, but who’s to pay for it? Professor Chris Elliott reflects on the need to level the cost burden of assuring the prized cup of joe lives on responsibly.
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OpinionThe canaries are singing: is Britain finally waking up to food security?
With the UK’s food and drink trade deficit at its highest since 2000 and concern growing across industry and academia, a leading sector voice warns that food security is now a national security issue.
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OpinionBrazilian beef and the UK: why Europe’s food safety decisions matter again for Britain
With the EU ban on Brazilian beef reigniting debate over import standards, Chris Elliott examines the implications for farmers, consumers and UK food security.
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OpinionImported eggs and Salmonella: the cracks in Britain’s food-safety defences
Recent Salmonella outbreaks have exposed vulnerabilities in UK egg supply chains. Chris Elliott examines their complex routes into food service and where improvements are needed.
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OpinionBritain’s food system exposed this summer: the new realities of food security
Chris Elliott warns that summer 2026 is exposing serious food-system vulnerabilities and explores how Britain can strengthen resilience against mounting global pressures.
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OpinionThe perfect storm for seafood fraud
The seafood industry is enormous, so too its supply chains. With consumers willing to pay premium prices for the healthy protein source, fraudulent practices have inevitably followed – on shocking scales. Chris Elliott reveals how the industry is responding and what businesses can do to boost credibility and protect consumers.
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OpinionFood fraud could be flourishing in Britain’s forgotten supply chains
The recent successful conviction of Kismet Kebabs Ltd is as encouraging as it is concerning… Professor Chris Elliott explains why.
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OpinionCold chains, red-hot risks: the critical infrastructure not talked about enough
Few things spread fear more effectively than mistrust of the food supply. Professor Chris Elliott demonstrates how decisive cold chains are to the safety of food systems and why their protection must be a top priority and collective effort.
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OpinionCriminals innovate and so must we: what the Food Fraud Festival taught us
Taking a novel approach to engaging the brains and imagination of its participants, Chris Elliott reflects on the success of the Food Fraud Festival and why this strategy is what we need to tackle tenacious fraudsters.
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OpinionThe sustainability vs food safety quandry: saving the planet while risking food safety
Food safety and sustainability are inseparable, explains Professor Chris Elliott, noting the uncomfortable realisation that improvements to one often lead to weakness in the other. Read about why food safety frameworks must evolve alongside circular economy policies to realise the benefits of food innovation.
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OpinionEl Niño and the global food system: the warnings from history
Chris Elliott delivers a sobering blow that we may not want to face but will be impossible to ignore. How familiar are you with El Niño?
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OpinionFood security is national security: lessons from the 2026 Gulf Crisis
Global shockwaves through the food system serve to illustrate our true proximity to global conflict. Chris Elliott reflects on the actions we must take to protect food supplies against these external shocks.
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OpinionReinventing food regulation: the UK’s next big step in consumer protection
As the UK food system grows more complex and data-driven, the FSA’s modernisation plans signal a major shift in regulation. Professor Chris Elliott explores what must change—and what must not—to safeguard consumer trust.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.