safefood, in partnership with Relay Research, are delighted to welcome you to the first ever All Island Food Safety Research website.

Changes in how we live, and how our food is produced, have increased the risks of foodborne illness. Food safety is now a priority issue – for individuals, the public health system and the economy. Food must be safe to eat and to this end scientists across the island of Ireland carry out extensive research aimed at ensuring the safety of our food. Food safety comes into play at every level of the food production chain - on the farm, at processing, during storage and distribution and at the retail level. Emerging contaminants and innovative technologies require new information and knowledge to ensure food safety at each of these levels.

The benefits of food safety research should not be underestimated. First and foremost, the health and wellness of the people on the island of Ireland depends, to a large extent, on a continuously reliable supply of safe, high-quality foods, whether fresh or processed. Economically, the use of scientific research to develop and implement cost-effective and technologically advanced food processing systems will promote the island of Ireland as a leader in food safety, thus giving the island's agri-food sector a competitive edge in the global food trade.

Even at a glance the projects that follow show how food science research helps to support food safety and regulations, develops improved new products and processes, and meets consumer preferences and nutritional needs.

Dr. Thomas Quigley Director of Science and Technical safefood

Dr. Liam Donnelly Director of Operations DPRC Moorepark Teagasc

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