May 2018
Price: £95 PLUS VAT
Format: DOWNLOADABLE PDF
This seminar examined key issues for the future of food regulation across the UK.
Delegates discussed the Food Standards Agency (FSA) proposals for a new regulatory framework - aimed at creating a more modern, flexible and responsive regulatory system - and assessed priorities for the sector in preparing for its implementation.
Sessions examined the practicalities of moving towards the risk-based approach to regulation outlined by the FSA, and how best to cater for an evolving and increasingly diverse sector.
Attendees considered what more can be done to promote data sharing between the FSA and local councils, as seen in the latest FSA trial with Checkit and Cambridge City Council to use digital technology to monitor food safety in real time, rather than the paper-based system - and how to most effectively use available data.
Delegates also assessed the challenges for maintaining consumer confidence in food safety, as retailers moved towards publishing data on the supply chain, and as the FSA worked to expand the National Food Crime Unit and launched a review with the FSS into meat production and cold store sites throughout the UK, following scandals.
Further sessions on the day focused on:
- The future relationship with food regulation in Europe - including the potential impact of Brexit on food regulatory systems;
- How decisions will be made across the devolved nations, with food safety and food labelling amongst the 24 policy areas which will be temporarily retained by Westminster;
- The potential effects of Brexit on the supply chain and the outlook for new markets;
- Next steps for policy moving forward - in light of plans to establish a new Food and Drink Sector Council and create a ‘gold standard’ for labelling to signify quality in British produce;
- The different sources of advice and guidance available to businesses; and
- Driving business confidence, and supporting economic growth and competitiveness in the coming years.
