Adverse health effects arising from chemicals found in food and drink reported to the national poisons information centre (London), 1998-2003

Reports of chemical contamination of food and drink have been dominated by large-scale incidents often associated with the risks of chronic exposure to particular chemicals or additives, e.g., mycotoxins and pesticide residues. This paper is the first serious attempt to collate information on the numerous incidents of acute chemical contamination associated with food and drink. Data is provided on 3740 incidents reported to the National Poisons Information Service (London) as part of a Food Standards Agency investigation into Breakdowns in Food Safety. Poor consumer handling and an apparent lack of understanding of and/or poor instructions led to many of these events. No serious effects occurred from accidental exposures, yet there is a significant health burden from these accidents.