Cell-cultivated products are novel foods produced without traditional farming, such as raising animals or growing crops. They are created by taking plant or animal cells and cultivating them into edible material. The FSA and FSS’s CCP Sandbox Programme focuses specifically on products made from animal cells.

Dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs are long-lasting toxic chemicals that build up in the food chain, particularly in the fatty tissues of animals. Their levels in food and feed have steadily decreased since the 1970s due to sustained efforts by public authorities and industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly supporting food safety through data analysis, predictive modelling, and real-world applications such as pathogen detection, import-sampling prioritisation, and regulatory data processing. While AI offers major opportunities to improve efficiency and resilience, its success depends on strong data governance, ethical oversight, and collaboration among authorities, industry, academia, and international organisations.

A recent review shows what’s working well and what still needs improvement in the food safety systems of five countries hoping to join the EU. It assesses progress over the past year in Ukraine, Albania, Montenegro, Moldova, and Serbia.

Delta-8 THC is a psychoactive compound found in some hemp products, including leaves, seeds, and oils. It has also been detected in foods like sweets and dietary supplements sold as hemp products.

The FSA has published updated Food Law Codes of Practice and Guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking a key step toward a more modern, flexible approach to food law enforcement.

The Department of Agriculture has confirmed several avian influenza outbreaks in poultry flocks in Ireland, and measures are in place to prevent its spread. The FSAI states there is no evidence of risk from eating poultry, but reminds consumers to thoroughly cook it and follow good hygiene when handling raw meat.

Safefood invites expressions of interest from food chain experts to provide professional services to the Safefood Knowledge Network Programme 2025–2028.

Researchers found that EU food import controls demand high effort but offer limited protection, as many non-compliant products still enter the market.

Apple seeds contain cyanide, but only in harmless amounts, showing that dose determines risk. This episode explains how hazards, exposure, and bodyweight affect food safety.

A review of studies from 2015–2025 found that microplastics can be released from food contact materials mainly through abrasion or friction. However, data remain limited and unreliable, especially for nanoplastics, making exposure estimates uncertain.

The FSAI has issued a new Guidance Note to help food businesses build and maintain a strong food safety culture. It includes practical tools to assess behaviours, raise awareness, and support compliance with food safety standards.