Government Chemist Review 2018 Contents
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Government Chemist Review 2018 Contents Foreword from the 2 Government Chemist Note from the Chair of the Government 3 Chemist Programme Expert Group What we do 4 Focus on future challenges: 8 the consumer as analyst Dispute resolution 10 The advisory function 16 Impact of our work 20 ...our responsibilities include assuring sound measurement science is applied to assessing the quality, composition, labelling and chemical contamination of food... 1 As I contemplate my introduction, own responsibilities assuring sound review demonstrates that our science Foreword from for this my first Government Chemist measurement science is applied to remains at a level expected and Review, I am struck by the dichotomy assessing the quality, composition, appreciated by the stakeholders we the Government between the uncertainty facing labelling and chemical contamination serve. It reflects the diligence of my the environment in which the role of food. predecessor, my deputy, specialist Chemist operates and the principal objective advisers, Michael Walker as referee of this review, to report the referee Being new to the role also allows analyst, and the wider team, as well function as defined in the various me to review the science we as the synergy with our experts in the related statutes of law. It is impossible currently employ to address the National Measurement Laboratory to estimate the likely effects of continued increase in the complexity (NML) at LGC. EU exit in the short term and the of the measurements undertaken. potential expansion of international However, it is not simply about I welcome the opportunity to trade agreements, as we supplement the quality of our science. An work closely with our sponsoring the UK’s reliance on trade with our enhanced and wider utility of our government department (the European partners. However, it capabilities suggests a much broader Department for Business, Energy would only be reasonable to expect engagement with stakeholders to and Industrial Strategy, BEIS), a need to support an increase in ensure the impact of our science members of our governance group, disputed measurements and the benefits all interested parties. the other government departments associated demand for casework and administrations across the UK, interpretation. There is, therefore, a clear need NGOs and industry. I am still very to plan for a future increase in the much in listening mode and welcome The proposal, endorsed by the Food critical mass of our experienced feedback on any aspect of the Standards Agency Board, for a formal team of scientists to ensure our Government Chemist role so that it review of the UK official control continued high scientific standing. remains fit for the future, whatever laboratory system in its entirety The establishment of the Office of that holds. includes the role of the Laboratory the Government Chemist ensures of the Government Chemist as internal mechanisms are in place the UK referee laboratory. I look to review the status of our science, forward to working with colleagues particularly with the continued in government to support the governance from the independent findings of the review. I welcome the experts who comprise the continued evolution of food and feed Government Chemist Programme regulation as clearly set out in FSA’s Expert Group. “Regulating Our Future” programme, in particular as it addresses My first months in post have already the identified shortcomings in started to highlight the benefits Dr Julian Braybrook food standards regulation. Food achievable through a process of BSc, PhD, Hon DPhil, FRSC standards encompasses much of my greater engagement. This annual Government Chemist 32 I am always pleased to be invited to animal feed and formaldehyde in This review details the excellent look back at another year of work by food contact materials. The scientific scientific work undertaken to address Note from the Chair the Government Chemist. During approach underpinning the resolution measurement challenges and to 2018 the function experienced some of these cases is detailed in section 3, support enforcement of UK food law. of the Government changes and was involved in wide "Dispute resolution". The Government Chemist and his ranging activities to extend and team endeavour to make opportune maximise the impact of the scientific The biennial Government Chemist use of expertise to continue to provide Chemist Programme work undertaken by the team. conference took place in June 2018 a valued service to the UK public. I in London. You can read about it in hope you enjoy reading the review. Expert Group I would like to acknowledge the strong more detail in Section 5, "Impact of and clear steer that the programme our work". On a personal note, it was has had from Dr Derek Craston, who a great opportunity to interact with stood down in June after a ten-year stakeholders not only interested in tenure as Government Chemist. The the Government Chemist's work, but members of the Government Chemist also in how to make the best use of Programme Expert Group, and myself the scientific knowledge and advice as the Chair, are extremely grateful for provided. Derek’s lead over that time, and his effort in ensuring an equally effective Whilst a review is inevitably a successor. backwards look at the recent past, the Government Chemist is always And so, we welcome Dr Julian keeping an eye on the future and Braybrook to the role and look forward preparing for forthcoming challenges. to working with him and the rest of the Preparing for exiting the EU still is, Government Chemist team to continue and will be, a focus for the team. This serving the public with sound scientific is reflected in the quarterly legislation measurement and advice. We are update reports, published on the confident that under Julian’s guidance, website, summarising changes in Professor Paul Berryman the programme will continue to go regulation affecting the manufacture BSc, MChemA, PhD, MBA, from strength to strength. and retail of food and feed. Further FRSC, CSci challenges looming on the near Chair, Government Chemist During 2018, the Government and far horizons that the team are Programme Expert Group Chemist team undertook a wide range preparing for include the "consumer of referee cases, such as detection as an analyst" and evolving consumer of mycotoxins in nuts, pesticides in behaviours. 3 1 What we do The Government Chemist role was created to help protect the public from fraud, malpractice and harm. In 1875, the laboratory of the Government Chemist was appointed as “referee analyst”, a role linked to the Sale of Food and Drugs Act of that year. The role continues to this day, fulfilling statutory and advisory functions, which are funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). The Government Chemist uses up-to-date and authoritative measurement procedures coupled with experienced interpretative skills to act as a fair and independent arbiter to resolve disputes, provide public protection and contribute to regulatory enforcement in sectors where chemical and bio-measurements are important. 4 Our statutory function Our capability building The Government Chemist’s statutory function comprises Referee analysis is often most challenging in areas where science-based duties prescribed in several acts of Parliament. measurements are difficult, where novel products are being These duties (see Box 1, page 7) cover public protection, safety introduced into the market, or where there is high public and and health, value for money, and consumer choice. Our most media interest, for example allergen detection. The Government important responsibility is to act as a “referee analyst” resolving Chemist Programme carries out capability-building projects to be disputes between regulators and businesses, supported by our prepared for demand in these areas. own independent measurements, interpretations and expert opinions. Thus, we reduce the burden on public finances as ► Section 5 provides an overview of our current successful resolution often avoids recourse to legal processes. capability-building activities. Our credibility as the referee, and our ability to develop new capability for future challenges, rest on first-class science which is underpinned by the designation of our home laboratory, LGC, Our governance as the UK National Measurement Laboratory and Designated Institute for chemical and bio-measurement.1 The Government Chemist programme is funded by BEIS. Within that department, responsibility for the Government Chemist lies with the ► Section 3 reviews this year's completed International Science and Innovation Directorate. referee cases. BEIS has put into place arrangements to ensure that the Government Chemist programme is delivered competently, and that scientific Our advisory function standards, impartiality, transparency and integrity are maintained. The Government Chemist Programme Expert Group (GCPEG) The long history of the Government Chemist function and its provides this independent scrutiny, overseeing the delivery, planning involvement in regular and wide-ranging dispute cases means and quality of the programme and offering advice to BEIS regarding that the team is well placed to provide advice on analytical science future priorities and strategic direction of the programme. implications for policy, standards and regulations. We mainly deliver this function by responding to government calls for advice The GCPEG comprises representatives of regulatory and or published