Point of Contact Testing - Food Authenticity

Defra wishes to undertake a two part study. Firstly, a review of POC technology, through a food authenticity lens, with a specific focus on applications as rapid tools to detect food fraud (e.g. to detect misrepresentation and mislabelling of foodstuffs). The review should provide 1) information on what current and emerging POC tools are available to detect potential food fraud or verify food authenticity, and how they are currently used,

2. the 'fitness for purpose' of existing POC tools (i.e. proof of concept stage or beyond), 3) what opportunities exist to use POC tests more widely (including from existing applications from other sectors), including the risks and benefits associated with potential new POC applications, and 4) where additional research and development would be needed to further exploit this powerful diagnostics platform in the field of food authenticity.

In parallel, Defra wishes to undertake a pilot study to trial new of new technologies to develop and demonstrate the suitability of POC technology applications in the food chain. The pilot study is intended to trial new approaches, for example through lab-based experimental work, to put the right tools in place to move novel technologies forward and enable rapid uptake of technology to meet food authenticity needs within the food system. The pilot study experimental design should focus on 1) overcoming key barrier(s) to implementation of POC technology, and 2) practical road testing of novel approaches in relation to a specific scenario or product