Information

October 1997

Food Program Affected projects

Food Programme projects that will continue (8 total):

1) Antioxidant vitamins

This project investigates the effects, requirements and relationship between the antioxidant vitamins E, C, and B-carotene. These vitamins may reduce or delay the onset of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders (eg. Parkinson's disease), cataracts, or arthritis.

2) Water soluble vitamins

The addition of folic acid to cereal-based foods is being investigated as a means of decreasing the incidence of neural tube defects in newborns. Research is also being conducted on the relationship between folic acid and blood homocysteine levels (an independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease).

3) Development of methods for the detection of foreign matter other than microbes or chemicals in foods (e.g. glass particles, insect parts).

4) Development of analytical methods for the detection of preservatives in foods and food packaging.

5) Development of methods for the detection of residues of volatile contaminants (e.g. benzene) in foods.

6) Development of analytical methods for the detection of plasticisers used in food packaging materials and determination of levels of these substances migrating into foods.

7) Development of analytical methods for the detection of heterocyclic aromatic amines, a toxic chemical sometimes produced in foods during cooking.

8) Toxicity of toxaphene (a pesticide).

Toxaphene is a pesticide and is a major food issue for the Northern aboriginal population. The study is being conducted on monkeys to provide previously unavailable toxicological data.

Food Program projects that will be re-started (11 total):

1) Probiotics - controlling human pathogenic bacteria.

This project keeps the food program up to date on the use of bacteria which are harmless or beneficial to humans as a means of controlling bacteria that can cause illness or disease.

2) Development of methods for the detection of microorganisms.

Develops improved methods of detection of harmful microorganisms and their toxins in food.

3) Development of methods for the detection of Vibrio species of bacteria.

Develops simpler and more sensitive methods of detection for Vibrio species of bacteria, which is associated with the consumption of raw seafood.

4) Development of methods for the detection of genetically modified organisms.

5) Development of analytical methods for the detection of insecticides in foods and beverages.

6) Development of analytical methods for the detection of herbicides in foods.

7) Development of analytical methods for the detection of fungicides in foods.

8) Development of analytical methods for the detection of additives in foods (e.g. sulfite and bromate).

9) Development of analytical methods for the detection of metal containing organic compounds and conducting limited monitoring (e.g organic lead levels in wines from countries using leaded gasoline).

10) Development of methods for the detection and evaluation of seafood toxins.

11) Management and administration for affected research projects.

Food program projects that require animal testing, to be considered by the Royal Society and the Science Advisory Board (5 in total)

1) Energy metabolism.

This project involves a) the determination of the energy value of carbohydrates and fibre, which provides data for correct labeling of foods; and b) understanding the ways in which the body deals with fat, carbohydrate and protein as sources of energy. This data is used to provide better nutrition recommendations with the overall goal of reducing the incidence of obesity in the general population.

2) Research on the detrimental effects PCBs have on the development of monkeys when exposure occurs during pregnancy.

3) Research on the toxicity of lead and methylmercury (an organic form of mercury) on the central nervous system of monkeys.

4) Research on the toxicity of PCBs on the growth and development of rats.

5) Animal Care Services and the Animal Breeding Colony, both of which are subject to employee takeover proposals.