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Science and research update
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Dear Subscriber,
Welcome to the Food Standards Agency science update. Each edition shares our latest research and evidence, along with opportunities to work with us - such as funding calls, Areas of Research Interest (ARI), FSA science job vacancies, and peer reviewer roles.
In this edition, we look back at our most viewed and shared research projects from 2025, learn how the FSA Science Council drew on experts from across disciplines to refine our research priorities, and share an upcoming workshop.
In this edition:
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Highlights
FSA research highlights: the Top 5 of 2025
With this being the first newsletter of 2026 and with Valentine's Day approaching, we’re taking a look at our most 'loved' research from 2025. We tracked this using the Altmetric Attention Score, which measures how much our work is shared and discussed across news outlets, social media, and policy documents.
Here are the top five reports from the last year:
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CBD Safety: An assessment of the safety of Cannabidiol CBD isolate for use in food supplements, concluding CBD isolate is safe at 10 mg/day in adult food supplements, with some exceptions.
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Salmon Survey: A study checking for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (E. coli and Listeria) in shop-bought raw salmon - finding low levels.
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Cell-Cultivated Food: A review of evidence on what UK consumers really think about lab-grown meat and dairy, showing interest is growing, but many people still have safety and “unnaturalness” concerns and expect clear regulation and labelling.
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Genetically Modified (GM) Maize: A safety check for a genetically modified corn variety with herbicide resistance to agricultural weed controls used in imported food and feed, concluding that the GM maize is as safe as its conventional counterpart for its intended uses.
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GM Soybean: A safety check for a genetically modified soybean variety with herbicide resistance to agricultural weed controls used in imported food and feed, confirming it is safe for intended uses.
Why these mattered
A paper on CBD safety takes the top spot, reflecting the huge public interest in CBD supplements and the importance of FSA oversight. Our work on cell-cultivated products highlights how we are preparing for the future of food, while the salmon survey underscores the vital role of monitoring antimicrobial resistance in our weekly shop. Finally, the GM assessments reflect the essential work of regulating the safety of imported food and feed to the UK.
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Food for Thought seminars
Our monthly seminars encourage collaborative learning and networking on topics across the food industry that align with our research priorities.
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Previous Food for Thought Seminars
Why are a significant proportion of people going without essentials like food not accessing charitable food aid?
This webinar presents research which aims to understand why a significant proportion of people who are going without essentials like food are not accessing charitable food provision. It will explore the barriers to accessing support, perceptions about food bank use, and what trade-offs people are making between essential items.
This research highlights the hidden coping strategies people are using to get by on insufficient income, builds understanding of accessibility and inclusivity of charitable food provision and helps us understand the wider experiences of hunger in the UK.
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Opportunities
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Job Vacancies
Team Leader - Sampling Team
The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of national sampling programmes, ensuring they operate efficiently and in line with organisational priorities. Working closely with internal and external partners, they will coordinate activity that supports surveillance, legislation and policy development, offering specialist advice across a range of food safety issues.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 22nd February 2026. Open for applications on a cross-government basis only.
Call for Tenders
Investigating Legume Allergy in the UK
The FSA is seeking a supplier to deliver a UK‑focused legume allergy study under a 12‑month contract. The work will include a systematic evidence review, mapping of legume use in food products, and a feasibility assessment of social media analytics, culminating in a comprehensive final report.
Find out more and submit a bid. Deadline 24 February 2026.
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Dates for the diary
One Health Connections: Strengthening One Health Networks for Biosecurity and Biosurveillance
The FSA Biosurveillance Team are holding 'One Health Connections: Strengthening One Health Networks for Biosecurity and Biosurveillance', a networking event on 11 March 2026, held in person in York.
This event is open to those working in biosurveillance and biosecurity across government, industry, and academia. The aim is to bring together experts and stakeholders from across the One Health community to share insights, explore innovations, and support collaborations in biosurveillance and biosecurity through a series of interactive, discussion-led sessions.
Spaces are limited, but if you work in any of the above disciplines and would like to be involved, please contact for more information.
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Recent publications
We collaborate with a range of stakeholders on research projects to ensure our work is underpinned by the latest science and evidence. Our publications are available on our Research and Evidence pages, and you can see our latest research highlighted below, categorised by area of research interest.
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Regulating the changing food system:
Strategies to Improve Children’s Menu Offerings in Restaurant Settings: A Literature Review
The aim of this literature review is to investigate the effectiveness of restaurant initiatives to improve the nutritional content of children’s menus in restaurants in Northern Ireland, and to promote positive behaviour change in consumers (i.e. parents and children) when choosing meals for children.
This study maps Northern Ireland’s food retail and out-of-home environment and assesses potential impacts of applying legislation to restrict the promotion of food high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS).
The Consumer Insights Tracker is a monthly survey commissioned by the Food Standards Agency to monitor consumer behaviour and attitudes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in relation to food.
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Risk analysis:
Risk analysis is the process of assessing, managing and communicating food and animal feed safety risks. It’s how we ensure high standards of food and feed safety and protect consumers. Our latest papers on risk analysis projects are available for you to read.
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Read our previous update
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