Uk Government Chemist

Framework for Interrogation of Honey Authenticity Databases

The Government Chemist, commissioned under Defra's Food Authenticity Programme, has published a framework enabling independent scrutiny of honey authenticity databases. The framework was developed by an independent expert group led by Professor Michael Walker and Dr David Hoyland, jointly funded by the Government Chemist and Defra. It provides guidance on evaluating database scope, composition, metadata, representativity, and method validation for authenticity testing databases used in honey fraud detection.

E-seminar: Optimisation of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assays

The Government Chemist has published an e-seminar on optimisation of quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assays for food testing. The resource provides best practice guidance on assay parameters requiring optimisation, including primer annealing temperature, primer and probe concentration, and magnesium concentration of the PCR reaction buffer. The e-seminar also covers assay performance characterisation and critical performance criteria. The production was funded by Defra, FSA, FSS and BEIS under the Joint Knowledge Transfer Framework for Food Standards and Food Safety Analysis.

Quarterly UK Food and Feed Law Update, October to December 2025

The UK Government Chemist published its quarterly legislative update covering food and feed law developments from October to December 2025. The report summarizes changes to UK and EU legislation as well as relevant technical publications from international bodies such as the FAO. The update is designed to provide contextual awareness and assist regulated parties in interpreting chemical measurement data.

Understanding Honey Fraud and the Role of Authenticity Testing

The UK Government Chemist published an article summarising concerns about honey fraud, including adulteration with cheap sugar syrups and mislabelling of origin. The article discusses differing stakeholder views on testing reliability, with retailers citing existing due diligence while beekeepers and campaigners argue controls are insufficient. The piece references the jointly funded Framework for interrogation of honey authenticity databases as part of ongoing work to address these concerns.

Government Chemist Conference June 2026: Safe Food for Tomorrow's World

The UK Government Chemist announces the Government Chemist Conference 2026, scheduled for 23-24 June 2026 at Nexus, University of Leeds. Registration is open with virtual attendance at £100/day or in-person participation at £175/day (£300 for both days). The conference focuses on evidence-based measurement science supporting food safety regulation and responsive food system governance.