New members sought for expert novel foods committee

 

Do you have experience of working in toxicology or of representing consumers? Are you interested in being on a committee that advises the Food Standards Agency on novel foods and novel food processes?

A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

Before any new food product can be introduced on the European market it must be rigorously assessed for safety. In the UK, the assessment of novel foods is carried out by the ACNFP.

The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is looking to appoint two new members in January 2013. The ACNFP is an independent body of experts that advises the FSA on any matters relating to novel foods and novel food processes, focusing particularly on assessing the safety of new foods before they are put onto the European market.

Expertise required: Applicants for the toxicology post or the consumer affairs post must have strong communication skills, have a good track record in assessment and interpretation of data and strong analytical skills.

In addition, applicants for the toxicology post must be recognised experts, preferably with experience in management of research and development projects. They should have the ability to weigh issues outside of their own specialist area, be strong team workers and have an awareness of food safety issues of relevance to the ACNFP.

The consumer affairs representative must have experience of working in consumer affairs, familiarity with current food issues and must be able to work effectively with scientific members of the Committee to ensure that the Committee’s advice to the FSA addresses consumer concerns.

About the appointments: Appointments are normally for a three year term and are unsalaried. The Committee meets up to six times a year in London, normally on a Wednesday or Thursday. Remuneration for attendance is available and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Appointments will be made strictly on merit by fair and open process in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments' Code of Practice and taking account of equality and diversity. The Agency operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for people with disabilities who meet the essential published criteria.

Successful applicants will be required to declare any interests that may be relevant to the work of the Committee. Interviews are expected to be held on Tuesday 18 December 2012.

Further details and an application pack may be obtained from the ACNFP Secretariat by emailing acnfp@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or calling 020 7276 8596. The postal address is:

Food Standards Agency
Room 3B, Aviation House
125 Kingsway
London      WC2B 6NH

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 30 November 2012.

Warning about 'fat-burner' substances containing DNP

UK Health Radio has drawn listeners' attention to urgent advice has been issued by the Food Standards Agency to the public, and to people in the bodybuilding community in particular, following the deaths of two people believed to have taken a ‘fat-burner’ substance in tablet or powder form.

The substance contains DNP (2, 4-dinitrophenol), an industrial chemical known to have serious short-term and long-term effects, which can be extremely dangerous to human health.

The Food Standards Agency is therefore advising consumers not to take any product containing DNP at any level. This chemical is not suitable for human consumption.

The 'fat-burner' capsules containing DNP appear to be marketed primarily at the bodybuilding community as a way of losing excess fat.

Labelling on products containing DNP may vary, but consumers should avoid any product described as containing DNP or 2, 4-Dinitrophenol.

Depending on the amount consumed, signs of acute poisoning could include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, headaches, rapid respiration and irregular heart-beat, possibly leading to coma and death. Consuming lower amounts over longer periods could lead to cataracts and skin lesions and effects on the heart, blood and nervous system.

Anyone who believes they may have taken DNP should seek medical advice immediately.

An investigation into one of the deaths is being carried out by Thames Valley Police. Any information that may assist them in their current investigations should be provided by calling 01865 841 148 and quoting reference GH4139182/12, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.



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