Food labelling regulations are harmonised across the European Union. But is the enforcement of these regulations? This analysis would suggest not.

Mycotoxin risks are climate-dependent, but can be mitigated by good practice. Which countries’ products are at higher risk? The answer might be counter-intuitive.

Food manufacturers could spend a fortune, testing every ingredient for every chemical contaminant and authenticity claim. How do you prioritise?

Adulteration of food with illegal or undeclared colours is on most risk registers. But, in terms of previous history, the risk is focussed on relatively few products from few countries.

There has been recent concern about cross-contamination of food with natural plant toxins such as atropine and scopolamine. Where do they come from, and what foods are at risk?

There is an echo-chamber effect with food fraud issues: a known issue will drive more testing, which drives more headlines, which drives more testing. Attempting to normalise for this effect can give a different picture of relative risks.

All laboratories offer a multi-residue pesticide screen, but no two screens are the same. How do you challenge that the laboratory will detect the residue(s) of most interest in your own crop or product?

Has the rise in popularity of “Free-From” products affected trends in recalls for undeclared allergens?

This white paper, written for LGC Standards, describes the European Union system for controlling residues of veterinary medicines in food. More LGC Standards white papers available at https://www.lgcstandards.com/GB/en/Resources/Dr-Ehrenstorfer-whitepapers

There is increasing concern about the chronic effects of trace residues of pharmaceuticals in the ecosystem. This White Paper was written for LGC Standards. More LGC Standards White Papers can be found at https://www.lgcstandards.com/GB/en/Resources/Dr-Ehrenstorfer-whitepapers