Toxicological Testing and Research

The establishment of the British Industrial Biological Research Association in October 1960 was preceded by complex discussions, which continued for a number of years. The prolonged nature of the negotiations was understandable, however, since the project under consideration was unique. Unlike most of the Research Associations with which BIBRA eventually took its place, the new organization was not intended directly to promote technological development or improve manufacturing efficiency and, therefore, profitability. Rather it was envisaged that BIBRA would give advice and carry out research to assist the food and related industries in their task of ensuring that foods complied with the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act, that it would provide data to aid the Government in establishing regulations concerning the composition of foods and that, in performing these functions, it would act also as a ‘watch‐dog’ for the general public. It was in furtherance of these aims that BIBRA was eventually established as one of the industrial research associations, working under the auspices first of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and its successor the Department of Trade and Industry, and later (since 1970) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Association receives financial support both from industry and from the Government and, in addition, has been fortunate to receive generous grants for specific research projects from various independent bodies, including the Nuffield Foundation, the British Nutrition Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.