MEMBERS of the public have been given an exclusive behind the scenes look at the science behind the food they eat as the UK’s Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) celebrated its centenary.

Visitors were able to explore what makes food safe by examining it for themselves under microscopes as Fera threw open its doors to the public for the first time in its history.

To mark the 100th year anniversary, FERA’s headquarters at Sand Hutton played host to the second of its two open evenings, the first of which was held on September 23. Both events sold out with over 160 packing in to the venue for the final evening.

Fera’s chief executive Hilary Aldridge said that she was thrilled to see so many people interested in finding out about how the work they do at impacts on their lives.

She said: “As the population rises, global weather patterns change and we see a shift in traditional diets in some parts of the world so there is an increasing need to ensure there is a safe and sustainable food supply chain.”

During the open evening, Fera scientists were on hand to share their knowledge on everything from bee pollen to plant disease and there was a particular focus on food integrity, making sure that what we eat is fit for consumption.

Hilary said: “It was great to see so many people coming here to find out about the important work that we do and how it impacts on their daily lives.”