colors. However, this unique intolerance
does not indicate a food safety issue and
represents a very small portion of the
population.
6 Information about the specific population that may be affected is
important for consumers to be able to
determine whether there is a risk to them
or their family, and if that risk outweighs
other risks they may be taking on by
changing their consumption.
8
Telling consumers how they can take
control—for example, by reading labels
and providing more fruits and vegetables—is helpful, while also preserving
choice for those consumers who are not
concerned and do not wish to reduce
their consumption of food ingredients.
Explaining the similarities and differences between food ingredients and
foods that are perceived to be more familiar and therefore safer in consumers’
minds can also be effective. For example,
every food we eat—even those that are
naturally occurring—is made up of chemical compounds that determine flavor,
color, texture and nutrient value.
9 Fresh
fruits and vegetables are not required to
list nutrition and ingredient information,
but if they were, the list of chemicals
composing them would rival foods containing added ingredients.
•
•
Sample size
Application of the findings to a specific subsegment of the population
It is also important to acknowledge what the weight of the evidence tells us, and to
recognize past research when a study disputes previous findings.
8
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Is the Latest Always the
Greatest?
Food additives and “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) ingredients are
some of the most studied components
of our food supply. However, new studies that dispute the larger body of research are often deemed more credible
because they are the latest research on
the topic. It is important when looking
at food ingredient research to emphasize
that, while it may be tempting to view
the most recent study as the best and
most reliable, this is not always the case.
When communicating a study’s find-
ings, it should be placed into the proper
context, including acknowledging the
limitations of the study, such as:
• The study’s original purpose
• Shortcomings in the study’s
methodology
• Ingredient amounts used
Food Safety Regulation
Compliance Resources
METTLER TOLEDO has long been the product inspection industry leader in food
safety education with our Safeline metal detection and x-ray inspection brand.
We have launched a year-long initiative to provide you with the right training,
educational materials and product solutions that will enable you to navigate the food
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Visit www.mt.com/PINA-FoodSafetyResources
to learn more!
Contact us for more information at 800-221-2624
or visit
www.mt.com/pi
