Critical reviews

Some topics deserve attention but do not easily fit into existing publications such as regular scientific journals and scientific book series.

For a journal there simply is too much information and for a book not quite enough. Expanding it to a full-size book would dilute the messages that deserve attention. Reducing it to fit a journal would make it incomplete. This is why EFFoST decided to initiate a new series of publications, EFFoST Critical Reviews. The reviews are issued in collaboration with the academic publishing house Elsevier.

 

Securing safe water supplies. Comparison of applicable technologies.

EFFoST Critical Reviews #1

This 90- page review discusses the availability of potable water in the world and technologies to make water safe, in particular in difficult circumstances. This review covers technologies that are applicable everywhere, in disaster areas as well as in developing and developed countries. It compares a variety of purification systems. There is a growing evidence base on targeting water quality improvements to maximize health benefits by improving water supply, sanitation and hygiene. Better tools and procedures to improve and protect drinking-water quality at the community and urban level, for example, through Water Safety Plans include the availability of simple and inexpensive approaches to treat and safely store water at the household-level. This book is the result of a thorough study of the global situation by the authors as part of the EU-Project NovelQ.

“Securing safe water supplies. Comparison of applicable technologies” is written by Erik Voigt, Henry Jäger and Dietrich Knorr.

 

 
 

Transparency for Sustainability in the Food Chain. Challenges and Research Needs.

EFFoST Critical Reviews #2

This 100- page review lays out the key issues and challenges in food safety, food quality, chain integrity, the link with consumers and the technological base of tracking and tracing systems. This succinct volume brings readers up to speed on the state-of-the-art in these areas and on the research trends in specific domains. Food scandals and deficiencies in consumer communication have drawn increasing demands for food policies that ensure food safety and quality. Further, consumers increasingly expect that food production processes limit negative impacts on the environment and consider social concerns.

Moving toward improved transparency requires action by stakeholders of the food chain but also knowledge on where and how to move. Researchers and professionals working in food sourcing, regulation, safety and distribution, will benefit from this clear overview.

“Transparency for Sustainability in the Food Chain. Challenges and Research Needs” is written by Gerhard Schiefer and Jivka Deiters.

 

 
 

Governing Nano Foods. Principles-Based Responsive Regulation.

EFFoST Critical Reviews #3

Food which nanotechnology has impacted or to which nanotechnology is applied is referred to as nanofood.  From treatment of the soil in which a crop plant is grown to the caring of a food, nanotechnology is a growing factor in the food supply. At this point, however, there is no definitive, effective global method for regulating the use of nanotechnology as it relates to the food supply.

Legislation on nanotechnologies is still evolving, as is understanding what data is needed for effective and appropriate risk assessment associated with nanotechnology impacted foods. Due to the emerging nature of nanotechnology and its role in the food supply, case-by-case studies are the current norm, but the need for wide-scale testing and broad-based regulatory standards is urgent.

This 100-page review is based on an EFFoST study designed to provide a comparative study of nanofood regulations in order to guide regulation development in this rapidly expanding market.

“Governing Nano Foods. Principles-Based Responsive Regulation” is written by Bernd Meulen, Harry Bremmers, Kai Purnhagen, Nidhi Gupta, Hans Bouwmeester and L. Leon Geyer.

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