Agenda item

Presentation by Tim Bennett, Deputy Chair of the FSA

The Chair introduced Tim Bennett, Deputy Chair of the FSA, who presented the organisation's work on developing proposals to reshape the way food businesses are regulated. The presentation outlined the discussions the FSA is having with stakeholders on establishing a new regulatory model by 2020. The priority is to keep consumers safe over the coming years, but changes to the food industry need to be considered when strengthening food standards regulations.  

It was noted in the presentation that changes in the resources available to councils and the impact globalisation and technology have had on the food industry present a new challenge for the FSA which needs to be reflected in any new food inspection system. The FSA has held a number of stakeholder meetings, consumer groups, focus panels and is piloting a new regulatory scheme in Bristol, which the FSA is due to report on at the end of January 2017. 

The FSA is clear that consumer trust is their key priority and that the funding of the food inspection system needs to be reviewed. One of the proposals being considered as part of this process is asking businesses to part-fund a new regulatory system, as well contributing towards advice services offered by councils' Environmental Health Officers.  

The implications of Brexit were also discussed and the FSA would like to see food safety standards having a reasonable level of priority in future trade negotiation given that most of our food legislation is driven by Europe. As a starting point, the FSA has agreed it does not accept the model that some countries have whereby there are different standards for domestic and exported produce, and so is working with other EU countries to increase consistency in food standards across the board.  

The FSA is seeking councils' views on the proposals as well as suggestions of good practice from areas in which regulation and enforcement is carried out effectively. 

In the discussion which followed, members made the following points: 

·         Members asked what role the FSA sees councils having under a new regulatory system and whether devolution would lead to differences to the regulatory system nationwide. There was a lack of clarity about the precise role that councils will have, although a clear statement that there will be a greater role for third party assurance in the new model. Members suggested that the LGA should make clear that they want councils to have a central role but that consideration needs to be given to limited resources and funding available to them. 

·         Members noted that the public need to have confidence that the proposals put forward by the FSA will lead to a robust regulatory system that isn't over-reliant on self-regulation but is regulated by an accountable body. Concerns were also raised about over-regulation and the fact that this would have a greater impact on smaller businesses over large, multinational corporations. 

·         In response to suggestions of asking businesses to part-fund a new regulatory system, it was noted that a one size fits all approach would not work and that any contributions from businesses would need to be proportionate to their individual financial situations.  

·         On intervention, members wanted to make clear that councils need to be given the power to intervene quickly in a way that does not place considerable pressure on their legal teams. 

·         It was highlighted that there is a need to raise awareness for consumers about what is in their food and where it comes from, and that the focus should not purely be on dietary information. The current rating system for restaurants was also discussed and comments were made about the public's understanding of the star-rating system. 

·         Members agreed that there is a need for change within the current system and that the FSA will need to be more adaptable in response to technological changes. It was suggested that technology could be used to reduce regular in-person inspections and put a greater responsibility on businesses to report regularly on how they are meeting standards. Members also asked whether the FSA would consider introducing regulations that would require businesses providing food delivery services online to display their ratings in the same way that a restaurant is required to. 

·         A discussion was had about the standards of food being imported into the UK and whether produce coming in through our borders meets the same regulations that we hold British suppliers to, as well as the extent to which the UK seeks to deter individuals from bringing food into the country. A comment was made that the US makes very clear announcements to passengers coming in and out of the country about what they can and cannot travel with. It was suggested that this is an effective and easy to implement idea that would help deter passengers bringing in food that does not meet the UK's standards. 

·         A number of members felt that they did not gain enough information from the report to take a stance and provide a clear steer on the FSA proposals. 

Decision: 

Members noted the report and the recommendation that the Board provides a steer on proposals being developed by the Food Standards Agency. 

Actions: 

Officers to arrange a subsequent meeting between the FSA and Cllr Simon Blackburn to seek clarification on the role of local authorities under a new system.