The survey was undertaken on all 104 local authorities across the three countries to ‘identify and understand the current landscape of food standards delivery.’
While levels of food standards resource in England were found to be ‘generally lower’ than in Wales and NI, FSA said that local authorities in England and Wales ‘appear to be struggling to comply fully with their obligations’ and feel the current approach does not enable the effective targeting of resource.
IFST said: “We recognise the importance of the compliance work to ensure that food is safe, what it says it is and consumers have the information to make informed choices about the food they buy.
“We also want to reiterate that the primary responsibility lies with those who make and sell food, with a level playing field provided by official controls, policy, regulation and enforcement.”
Claiming the current system is ‘creaking,’ the body adds that “there are positive moves towards a more outcome and risk-based system with many local authorities already focussing more on new and higher risk businesses, and allergens.”
The full report can be viewed here: https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/fsa-18-12-08-rof-survey-report-v.4_3.pdf