About Our Research
Research is a vital part of our mission to improve public health by promoting food safety and healthy eating on the island of Ireland. Since 2000, we have commissioned over 145 projects, published XXX Consumer Evaluations and produce Safetrak, our annual consumer research programme measuring public awareness and consumer behaviour.
We ensure that our research is of the highest quality, science-based and relevant to both public health and the agrifood industry across the island of Ireland.
Our research covers the entire food chain and provides clear, independent and reliable insights to support policy making. It identifies knowledge gaps in food safety, food hygiene and nutrition, and provide recommendations. It also explores food safety practices at home that may lead to food-borne disease.
In the food safety area, our research area covers:
- Microbiological aspects of food safety, including cooking and storage, and behaviours such as handwashing
- Allergen management
- Food safety culture
In the public health nutrition, our research area covers:
- the food environment, addressing topics like obesity and food-related behaviour
- food poverty
- health inequalities
- commercial determinants of health.
- sustainability and environmental impacts of food production, processing, storage and use.
Research process
The research process involves:
- identification of gaps in knowledge
- prioritisation of topics
- commissioning and funding projects through an open tender process
- monitoring progress of the projects
- publishing findings
- maintaining a database of information
- dissemination of findings
- recommending actions.
- informing public policy and the scientific evidence-base in general.
