UC Connect: Is New Zealand food safe? A toxicologist’s view

Actions Panel

UC Connect: Is New Zealand food safe? A toxicologist’s view

By UC Events

Date and time

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 · 7 - 8pm NZST

Location

C3, Central Lecture Theatres, Ilam Campus

University of Canterbury Christchurch, 8140 New Zealand

Description

Presented by: Professor Ian Shaw

In his upcoming UC Connect public talk, University of Canterbury Professor of Toxicology Ian Shaw will explore food from a toxicologist’s perspective and focus on chemical contaminants and natural toxins in food and try to answer the question, is New Zealand food safe?

Most people don’t think about food safety when they eat their dinner in a developed country like New Zealand, Professor Shaw says.

“This is because we put our trust in government regulators, farmers and food manufacturers to make sure there is nothing untoward in our food.

“The fact that food-related illness is not a common event in New Zealand means that our trust is justified. However, we usually think of food-related illness as striking only a few days after a dodgy meal, probably caused by bacteria or viruses. Think again!”

Professor Shaw says there are myriad chemicals in food; some natural, some contaminants, preservatives, colours and flavours with long, long term effects. In his free public talk he answers the questions: How safe are these chemicals? How are they tested? Is our food really safe?

Professor Ian Shaw is an author, broadcaster and academic. He has worked in government science, the pharmaceuticals industry and in several universities, including serving as Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UC’s College of Science. He is currently Professor of Toxicology at UC.

Prof Shaw is the author of three books on food and the environment, edited a major work on estrogen mimics in food, is a regular science feature writer for The Press, a popular guest on Radio NZ National’s This Way Up and TVNZ’s What’s Really in Our Food? and has published over 100 articles in scientific journals.

His research interest for the past 20 years has been the cellular and human effects of estrogen mimics in food and the environment. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists, the Royals Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Food Science & Technology.

He won the NZ Association of Scientists Science Communicator Award in 2009, but is most proud of being awarded Science Lecturer of the Year by the University of Canterbury Student’s Association in 2009, 2013 and 2014.

Follow UC on Twitter @UCNZ and Facebook.

Register here.


More information

Events Team
Email: events@canterbury.ac.nz

Website: www.canterbury.ac.nz/ucconnect

Organized by

Founded in 1873, in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (UC) has an international reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research.

People come first at the University of Canterbury, reflecting our intrinsic values: whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga. These values are rooted in trust, care and reciprocity, and were embedded over generations of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Tahu presence in the region. In fact, in 1861 Pita Te Hori, the first Upoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, instructed the founders of Ōtautahi: “kia atawhai ki te iwi – be kind to your people.” Today, these words underpin the relationships we foster amongst our students, staff and community. We are proud to open our doors to students and staff throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and the world, welcoming everyone to learn from one another and contribute to our diverse and flourishing community. The University of Canterbury is a place for everyone.

The university has an undivided focus on people, research, education and engagement to carry us forward to our 150th anniversary and beyond.

UC offers a unique, world-class learning experience that gives UC graduates a competitive edge in an increasingly challenging, dynamic and complex world – UC students graduate with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to make a difference.

The University’s research-active lecturers and academics are committed to deploying their expertise and knowledge, and are active in partnering with others to advance civic purpose and foster public good.

Sales Ended