You are speaking at the P & P conference on the topic of Toxicological studies for non-intentionally added substances (NIAS). What are Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS), and why is it important to conduct toxicological testing for these substances?

NIAS, or non-intentionally added substances, are substances often found in food contact materials which you might not expect to be there. For example, they cover things like impurities and reaction and breakdown products from other components of the FCM. As they are present in FCMs, and have the potential to migrate into foodstuffs and be consumed, it is important to determine where possible their identity and concentration, migration potential and ultimately  their toxicological effects, hence the need for tox testing. I’m looking forward to explaining more about this topic in my presentation in December.

 What do you see as the major developments that 2025 will bring regarding food contact regulation, testing and enforcement in general?

It will be interesting to continue to follow the European Commission’s work programme and in particular their re-evaluation of the general food contact legislation and how this will affect the industry. Another hot topic in all aspects of life, and of course FCM, is sustainability and environmental considerations and I’ll be watching out for novel solutions and new food packaging material types which address this, particularly in the space of bio-based materials. Finally as an Analytical Chemist working in the regulatory space, I’ll be keeping an eye on new analytical methods and technologies to keep up with the ever-lower analytical thresholds associated with restrictions in legislation.

 What are you most looking forward to at the event?

The P&P conference is always a well-attended event with a range of delegates from across the regulatory, manufacturing and testing industries, so I’m looking forward to the discussions with people with differing backgrounds, experiences and views.