Date of Release: 14 January 2003

For immediate use

Peers investigate food research in Norwich

Five Peers are on a fact-finding mission at the Institute of Food Research today to learn about the future of UK food.

Members of the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology will learn about new developments in food safety, diet and health. The visit comes a month after the IFR published groundbreaking research to reveal how Salmonella makes people ill [EDP splash 19.12.02].

Lord Oxburgh, Chairman of the Select Committee said: 'Our visit today is particularly timely in view of our current inquiry into "Fighting Infection", which includes food borne infection'.

Lord Oxburgh, Lord Soulsby, Baroness Walmsely, Baroness Emerton and Lord Rea will discuss emerging food-poisoning bacteria, the importance of diet in preventing chronic disease and new methods to establish the authenticity of foods, such as the origin of beef.

'Modern science is helping us to understand the vital role of diet in health. The IFR is at the forefront of this work. The potential rewards are enormous - more people living longer and in good health and great savings for the NHS' said Lord Oxburgh today in Norwich.

The Director of IFR, Professor Alastair Robertson, welcomed the Peers' interest: 'Food borne bacteria can cause illness and even kill, while nutritious foods can contribute to a long and healthy life. Eating the right food is perhaps the best preventative medicine for chronic disease including heart disease and cancer. The Institute of Food Research can advise the government on how to use the latest scientific research to benefit the UK population.'

Notes to editors

• Please contact Zoe Dunford, IFR Media Manager, for more information: 01603 255111 / zoe.dunford@ifr.ac.uk
• Select Committee members visiting IFR are: Lord Oxburgh (Chairman), Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior (Chairman of the Sub-Committee Inquiry into Fighting Infection), Baroness Walmsley, Baroness Emerton and Lord Rea.
• More information on current HoL enquiry into "Fighting Infection":
  www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/lords_s___t_sub_committee_i.cfm
  
• IFR response to HOL enquiry into Fighting Infection
  
• The mission of the Institute of Food Research is to carry out independent basic, and strategic research on food safety, quality, nutrition and health. It is a company limited by guarantee, with charitable status, grant aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
  
• The Institute is based on the Norwich Research Park.

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