The Government Chemist Conference took place on 23–24 June 2026 at Nexus, University of Leeds Innovation Hub, bringing together experts from across science, industry and policy to explore how measurement science can support a modern and responsive food regulatory system.
Set against growing pressures on the global food system, including climate change, population growth and rapid technological change, the conference highlighted the importance of robust evidence, proportionate regulation and effective collaboration to ensure food safety, authenticity and long‑term sustainability.
Hosted by the UK Government Chemist, Julian Braybrook, the event opened with an overview of the Government Chemist’s statutory role in providing independent referee analysis under UK legislation. This function remains critical in resolving disputes between enforcement authorities and food businesses, supporting evidence-based decisions and reducing the need for legal proceedings. Recent investment and the move to new laboratory facilities in Guildford have strengthened national capability, enabling enhanced analytical work and supporting a refreshed programme focused on emerging challenges.
Across the 2 days, speakers consistently emphasised that strong measurement capability underpins effective regulation. Professor Ian Young highlighted the Food Standards Agency’s role in maintaining public trust while supporting innovation, noting the importance of transparent communication, clear regulatory pathways and initiatives such as the regulatory sandbox for cell‑cultivated foods. At the same time, operational perspectives from Port Health Authorities demonstrated how risk-based approaches, supported by tools such as artificial intelligence, are improving efficiency while maintaining high standards for imported food.
A clear message throughout was the increasing complexity of food systems and the central role of data and measurement in managing this complexity. Work on food authenticity, including honey, demonstrated the challenges of verifying products with high natural variability and the need for multiple analytical approaches, improved reference datasets and internationally aligned standards. Collaborative data-sharing initiatives across industry and regulators are strengthening the ability to identify emerging risks and take early action to protect supply chains. Professor Jack Gilbert provided an insight into research on soil microbiology and agricultural systems, demonstrating how improved measurement and modelling techniques can support productivity, resilience and food security. At the same time, work to advance diagnostics and testing approaches were also highlighted, focused on preventing foodborne incidents and support timely and informed decision-making in fresh produce supply chains.
The conference also explored the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging food technologies, including engineering biology, alternative proteins and cell‑cultivated products. These innovations offer significant potential for sustainability and economic growth, but depend on robust, validated measurement frameworks to ensure safety, authenticity and regulatory confidence. Speakers highlighted that no single analytical method is sufficient in many cases, and that integrated, standardised approaches are needed, supported by appropriate reference materials and clear terminology. Delegates also had the opportunity to contribute to an engineering biology workshop, providing input to help shape the development of the new EngBioMet initiative and its future priorities.
The final session of the conference explored environmental considerations, highlighting progress in analytical capabilities for detecting and characterising microplastics in food and detecting allergens in non-dairy milks to protect consumers. The topic of soil health was revisited exploring how the availability of high-quality environmental data- can support productivity, resilience and food security.
Across two days of discussion, a clear message emerged robust data, reliable measurement and strong collaboration are essential to navigating increasingly complex food systems, maintaining consumer trust and enabling innovation.
Following a successful Government Chemist Conference 2026, we would like to thank all speakers and delegates who joined us in Leeds to explore how measurement science can support a modern, responsive food regulatory system.
If you were unable to attend all sessions, or would like to revisit key insights, presentation recordings are now available to watch on demand.
Video recordings
Day 1
Session 1 Responsible regulation for food (starts 00000)
Session 2 Measurement for evolving food systems (starts 21515)
Day 2
Session 3 Engineering our future food (starts 00000)
Session 4 Protecting our environments (starts 21750)
