Stories circulated yesterday reported that Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, would be announcing the break up of the Food Standards Agency. They also suggested that this break up was an indication that the Government had ‘caved in’ to the pressure of the Food Industry. In reality, the demise of the FSA would be regarded by many as a loss – not only by the general public but also by the food industry itself.
The Institute of Food Science &Technology (IFST) have always enjoyed a constructive and positive relationship with the FSA including accrediting a professional development scheme for many of its food scientists. We also run similar schemes for other food-related businesses – expecting the same, high standards of professionalism from all those who participate.
The IFST has seen the FSA working very closely with the food and beverage industry over the past few years as a way to enable it to deliver its key strategic goals and, in particular, to ensure the industry delivers the highest standards of food safety that the general public can rely upon. The adversarial style of relationship suggested in these early reports is neither accurate nor particularly helpful.
During its existence the FSA has provided coherent strategy and direction around key food issues such as reductions in the levels of saturated fat and salt, reductions in foodborne diseases such as campylobacter in chicken as well as regulating food business operators. These are all still very live issues and the functions of the FSA, in whatever form, will continue to be needed in the future. Very few in the sector will see the break up of the FSA as a positive step.
The Institute of Food Science &Technology (IFST) have always enjoyed a constructive and positive relationship with the FSA including accrediting a professional development scheme for many of its food scientists. We also run similar schemes for other food-related businesses – expecting the same, high standards of professionalism from all those who participate.
The IFST has seen the FSA working very closely with the food and beverage industry over the past few years as a way to enable it to deliver its key strategic goals and, in particular, to ensure the industry delivers the highest standards of food safety that the general public can rely upon. The adversarial style of relationship suggested in these early reports is neither accurate nor particularly helpful.
During its existence the FSA has provided coherent strategy and direction around key food issues such as reductions in the levels of saturated fat and salt, reductions in foodborne diseases such as campylobacter in chicken as well as regulating food business operators. These are all still very live issues and the functions of the FSA, in whatever form, will continue to be needed in the future. Very few in the sector will see the break up of the FSA as a positive step.
