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UK sets up food standards body

G. Chandrashekhar

MUMBAI, April 22

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries in the UK helped establish a new food standards agency (FSA) early this month. For the first time, all the aspects relating to food safety and standards _ from farm to fork _ are the responsibility of a sin gle organisation.

The mandate of FSA is to protect the interests of consumers by following three core values. FSA will put the consumers first; be open and accessible; and be an independent voice.

The agency's functions are to provide advice to the public and to the Government on food safety, nutrition and diet; protect consumers through effective enforcement and monitoring; and support consumer choice through accurate and meaningful labelling.

Serving the interests of consumers in relation to food safety is the legal remit of the FSA as defined in an Act of Parliament. The Act also ensures the independence of the Agency by entitling it to publish its advice to the Government.

The agency will regularly consult with consumers to understand their views and concerns so that it can meet their needs.

According to a communique from the FSA headquarters in London, there are three main groups within the FSA. Food Safety Policy Group deals with all aspects of food safety and nutrition. Enforcement and Food Standards Group will help local authorities impr ove the effectiveness of local enforcement of food standards legislation. The third is Corporate Resources and Strategy Group.

The agency will be managed by a 13-member Board that includes two Asians Dr. Bhupinder Singh and Mr. Gurbux Singh.

The Board is responsible for overall strategic direction of FSA.