National Reference Laboratory for Chemical Hazards

Tender description

The FSA and FSS are responsible for Official Feed and Food Controls across the UK. The UK has a legal obligation to appoint NRLs for feed and food. NRLs provide advice and support to food, feed, and food contact materials enforcement laboratories and the FSA and FSS to ensure a harmonised approach to food safety enforcement. NRLs are responsible for setting standards for routine procedures and reliable testing methods in the regulated areas of feed and food. This delivers consumer protection and effective, risk-based, and proportionate regulation and enforcement.<br/><br/>The appointed laboratory will carry out the provision of services for the UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Chemical Hazards in feed and food. Chemical hazards in feed and food could include, but are not limited to:<br/>-Food Contact Materials (FCM),<br/>-Processing contaminants,<br/>-Mycotoxins and plant toxins,<br/>-Metals and nitrogenous compounds,<br/>-Halogenated persistent organic pollutants,<br/>-Flavourings.<br/><br/>This is a 4 year contract with an optional 2 year extension.<br/>The estimated value of the Contract is estimated to be between £0 - £2,800,000 (inc VAT) for the total duration, including the 2 year extension. The FSA is not required to take the extension. Lot 1: The FSA and FSS are responsible for Official Feed and Food Controls across the UK. The UK has a legal obligation to appoint NRLs for feed and food. NRLs provide advice and support to food, feed, and food contact materials enforcement laboratories and the FSA and FSS to ensure a harmonised approach to food safety enforcement. NRLs are responsible for setting standards for routine procedures and reliable testing methods in the regulated areas of feed and food. This delivers consumer protection and effective, risk-based, and proportionate regulation and enforcement.<br/><br/>The appointed laboratory will carry out the provision of services for the UK National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for Chemical Hazards in feed and food. Chemical hazards in feed and food could include, but are not limited to:<br/>-Food Contact Materials (FCM),<br/>-Processing contaminants,<br/>-Mycotoxins and plant toxins,<br/>-Metals and nitrogenous compounds,<br/>-Halogenated persistent organic pollutants,<br/>-Flavourings.