Government top scientist to appear in free webinar

By Mike Stones

11-Jan-2013 - Last updated on 11-Jan-2013 at 12:32 GMT

Related tags: Food standards agency, science, Technology

Dr Andrew Wadge is taking part in a free food science and technology webinar

The chief scientist of the government’s food safety watchdog, the Food Standards Agency, is to take part in a free webinar designed to move the debate about food science and technology onto a firmer scientific footing.

Dr Andrew Wadge will explain how regulatory frameworks can help to introduce clarity in the debate about controversial food technologies such as irradiation, nanotechnology and genetic modification.

The free, one-hour long webinar ‘Food fact and fiction, separating science from myth’ is being organised by the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) and FoodManufacture.co.uk. and will take place at 11am GMT on Thursday, January 24, 2013.

Consumer watchdog Which?

Also taking part are consumer watchdog Which? and Leatherhead Food Research (LFR).

Sue Davies, chief policy adviser Which?, will place the debate in the framework of consumer acceptability.

LFR principal consumer analyst Nicole Patterson will reveal recent research that uncovers consumers’ perceptions about the communication and application of nanotechnology and GM topics.

The webinar is aimed at anyone in the industry who welcomes a debate based on science and technology rather than mere prejudice. It will also be particularly useful to food sector communicators, food science and technology policy makers, and government science policy makers.

IFST ceo Jon Poole said: “I sincerely hope that this webinar will provide a proper platform for true scientific principles to take precedence over scare stories, rhetoric and unfounded discussion over some of the most important food science issues.”

Click here to book your place for this free webinar.

Once registered, you will be able to put a question directly to our expert panel. Alternatively, email questions in advance to zvpunry.fgbarf@jeoz.pbz.

Food fact and fiction: separating science from myth

Posted by Anna, 25 January 2013 - 08:47 GMT

I am informed about the topic of GM and have been for about 13 years now. I do understand the risks and I am not at all confused, I am very clear. I do not want to eat it. I wonder where the drought tolerant GM plants are and how you will you have 'no artificial pesticides or fertilisers' (both benefits on your chart) when GM requires more pesticide use? Also where are the long-term feeding studies. That is the research I require.

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