Impurities in Food and Pharmaceuticals - can Risk Assessment and Regulation be Aligned?

Introduction

The health risk assessment of impurities is a key part of assuring the safety of food and drugs. Despite the scientific theory of hazard and risk assessment being shared by the two sectors, there are several significant regulatory differences. This event will look in detail at two case studies – titanium dioxide, which is under scrutiny in the food sector but is widely used in pharmaceuticals, and nitrosamines, which are naturally formed in certain foods but are extremely tightly controlled in medicines. We will discuss the reasons behind the differences, and in a panel session will explore whether there are possibilities for greater alignment between the sectors.