Centre scientists contribute to FAO/WHO report: Prioritizing food safety issues related to chemical water quality in agrifood systems
Dr Tim Harwood, Cawthron Institute & Dr Andrew Pearson, Tonkin & Taylor
The explicit title says it all. The report of the meeting at FAO headquarters in Rome, mid 2025, was attended by Centre Deputy Director Dr Tim Harwood (Cawthron Institute), and International Science Advisory Panel member, Dr Andrew Pearson (Tonkin & Taylor). The Centre is proud that two of its scientists were invited respectively as an ‘expert’ and part of the directorate. New Zealand is certainly on the FAO radar. Andrew drafted the report which was released on 22 December 2025.
Tim says, “While progress has been made identifying microbial risks associated with water used in agrifood systems, guidance on chemical hazards has remained limited. I’m pleased to help address this gap by contributing to the report and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work with experts from around the world”.
He notes there will be a webinar to launch the report on 10 February, timed to suit antipodean insomniacs.
Published on: 20 January 2026
