The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is holding a workshop next week to explore the possible impacts of climate change on food safety, including looking at issues related to mycotoxins which can cause problems for humans and animals.
“It is widely accepted climate change is likely to cause changes in temperature, water availability and weather patterns across the world and these changes will have complex implications for the safety of the food we eat,” said FSA. “As part of our commitment to enabling consumers to have access to an affordable healthy diet, now and in the future, it is important that we consider and prepare for the challenges that climate change may bring.”
The workshop’s first session will feature an “in depth” assessment of the issue of mycotoxins, levels of which are increasing as a result of climate change in Europe.
“We hope that the discussions will help us to develop a UK strategy for tackling this issue,” said FSA.
The second session will involve a broader look at the “many possible impacts climate change may have on food safety”. With a combination of talks from experts in the field and a panel discussion, the aim of this session is to help the FSA to arrive at a better understanding of the possible risks and to begin to prioritise where to focus its future activities.
The workshop will also include a keynote address by Lord John Krebs, who sits on the UK’s Committee on Climate Change and chairs its Adaptation Sub-Committee.
The event is scheudled for Wednesday, December 2, in the Hallam Conference Centre, 44 Hallam Street, London W1W 6JJ.