News Centre

Most recent news stories

• Open Meeting of Scottish Food Advisory Committee: 17 January 2012

  Friday 30 December 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Aberdeen on Tuesday 17 January 2012.

• Agency allergy advice on Chapelle des Bois - 2009 Ac Fleurie wine

  Friday 23 December 2011

  The FSA is aware of an issue with undeclared sulphites in Chapelle des Bois - 2009 Ac Fleurie wine. The label does not specify that the wine contains sulphites.

• No hay in a manger?

  Thursday 22 December 2011

  Christmas cards, school plays, and church nativity scenes typically portray images of a manger surrounded by farm animals in the centre of a hay-strewn barn. But, while the religious message that has lasted two millennia continues to inspire Christians across the globe, the sheep and oxen (and their modern counterpart the cow) are no longer sustained on a diet of grass and hay.

• Hearty and healthy greetings from FSA e-News

  Wednesday 21 December 2011

  The holiday season is in full swing, and we want to ensure your festive break is as healthy as possible. With this in mind, the December/January edition of FSA e-News features a wealth of food safety and hygiene information.

• ACAF open meeting 14 December 2011

  Wednesday 21 December 2011

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs open meeting in London gave stakeholders an opportunity to observe the committee at work and to ask questions.

• Asda recalls frozen chicken biryani

  Wednesday 21 December 2011

  Asda is recalling one date code of its Frozen Chicken Biryani Steamer because of incorrect labelling. The product contains prawns, which aren't mentioned on the label. If you’re allergic or intolerant to shellfish, you’re advised not to eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Natco recalls ground cumin

  Wednesday 21 December 2011

  Natco Foods is recalling certain batches of its ground cumin because some are contaminated with salmonella. The affected batches have a ‘best before’ date of September 2013 or October 2013. If you have bought the product don’t use it. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Bullock aged over 72 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Wednesday 21 December 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a bullock aged over 72 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 72 months of age.

• The Co-op recalls Scottish smoked salmon

  Friday 16 December 2011

  The Co-op is recalling two date codes of its Scottish smoked salmon because some packs contain high levels of listeria. The affected batches have a ‘use by’ date of 21 December 2011 and 24 December 2011. If you have bought the product do not eat it. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Reappointment of expert member of GACS

  Thursday 15 December 2011

  Jeff Rooker, Chair of the FSA, is pleased to announce the reappointment of Professor Duncan Maskell, expert member of the General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS).

• Printing inks and mineral oils survey results

  Thursday 15 December 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published the results of its survey looking at the migration into food of selected printing ink components from printed carton-board packaging materials.The results also include work on the presence of mineral oils in some of the food packaging samples. Based on the results, the FSA's advice is that there is no need for consumers to change their eating habits.

• New research identifies limited display of food hygiene ratings in Wales

  Wednesday 14 December 2011

  Research published today by the Food Standards Agency shows that in Wales only 6% of food businesses audited with a low rating of 0, 1 or 2 under the Food Hygiene Rating scheme are actually displaying the ratings in their premises, compared with 66% of those businesses which received a rating of 5.

• Asda recalls king prawns with garlic dip

  Wednesday 14 December 2011

  Asda is recalling certain date codes of its Asda Hot & Spicy King Prawns with Garlic Mayonnaise Dip because of incorrect allergy labelling. The product contains milk, which isn’t mentioned on the allergy label or ingredients list. If you’re allergic or intolerant to milk or milk constituents, you're advised not to eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Egg advice past its best

  Wednesday 14 December 2011

  As part of a drive to cut food waste, the Food Standards Agency has revised its advice on using eggs after their ‘best before’ date. The advice now is that, providing the eggs are cooked thoroughly, they can be eaten a day or two after their ‘best before’ date.

• Five more local authorities launch the FHRS

  Friday 9 December 2011

  Basingstoke and Deane, Broxbourne, Sefton, Test Valley and Winchester City councils have rolled out the Agency's Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Nearly 180 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing over 140,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• New food labelling regulation published

  Thursday 8 December 2011

  The new Food Information Regulation (FIR), designed to make food labelling easier to understand for consumers, has been published by the European Union.

• Agency allergy advice on Marks and Spencer prawns

  Thursday 8 December 2011

  The FSA has been informed that Marks and Spencer Garlic and Coriander Butterfly Prawns have been sold without the presence of milk being declared in the allergy information panel.

• Channelling a safer Christmas meal

  Wednesday 7 December 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has teamed up with Channel 4 to sponsor its Christmas recipe web pages over the holiday season. This allows the Agency to highlight its Christmas food hygiene and safety messages to a wider audience as they plan their Christmas menus.

• Maysum withdraws chicken and vegetable samosas

  Wednesday 7 December 2011

  Maysum has withdrawn certain batches of its chicken and vegetable samosas due to incorrect allergy labelling. The samosas contain sulphites, which aren't mentioned on the label. If you are sensitive to sulphites, you're advised not to eat these products. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Northern Ireland caterers to start counting calories

  Tuesday 6 December 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland is launching a pilot scheme encouraging local food businesses to display calorie information where food is sold, such as in restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food shops. This will make it easier for consumers to make informed choices when eating out.

• Research finds improved hygiene measures on poultry farms

  Tuesday 6 December 2011

  A report published by the Food Standards Agency highlights improvements in hygiene on poultry farms in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Consistent application of hygiene measures on farms is important to prevent farmed poultry from becoming infected with campylobacter.

• NI vegetable washing campaign launched

  Monday 5 December 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland has today launched its first stage of the Agency’s campaign to remind people to wash raw vegetables to help minimise the risk of food poisoning. The focus of the campaign is to reinforce existing food safety advice about storage, handling and cooking of food, including raw vegetables.

• Food poisoning risk from chicken liver pate

  Friday 2 December 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding people to cook chicken livers thoroughly if making pate, to reduce the risk of food poisoning. New figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) reveal that 90% of campylobacter outbreaks at catering venues were linked to undercooked chicken liver pate. Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Thursday 1 December 2011

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Creme d’Or recalls Felko Christmas figures and gumball machines

  Thursday 1 December 2011

  Creme d’Or is recalling certain batches of its Felko Christmas figures and gumball machines. The affected products contain candy, but are not labelled with a choking hazard warning for children under three years of age. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Waitrose recalls Belgian chocolate

  Wednesday 30 November 2011

  Waitrose is recalling one batch of its own-brand Belgian Plain Chocolate because of a packaging error. The chocolate contains hazelnuts, which isn’t mentioned on the packaging. If you’re allergic to nuts, specifically hazelnuts, you’re advised not to eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Enotria withdraws Capriola Pinot Grigio

  Wednesday 30 November 2011

  Enotria is withdrawing all batches of Capriola Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2010 because of a packaging error. The wine contains sulphites, which isn’t mentioned on the label. If you’re sensitive to sulphites, you’re advised not to drink this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• New research identifies norovirus levels in oysters

  Tuesday 29 November 2011

  Research published today by the Food Standards Agency shows that a significant proportion (76%) of oysters tested from UK oyster growing beds contained norovirus. The virus was detected at low levels in more than half of the positive samples (52%).

• The Co-op recalls roasting joint

  Tuesday 29 November 2011

  The Co-operative has recalled two batches of its British Beef Roasting Joint because they have been labelled with incorrect 'use by' dates of 22 December 2011 and 23 December 2011. The products should have been labelled with a ‘use by’ date of 5 December 2011. If you’ve bought the product, you can contact the Co-op for a full refund. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Guy Anderson Wines withdraws Church Mouse Falanghina

  Tuesday 29 November 2011

  Guy Anderson Wines is withdrawing all batches of Church Mouse Falanghina because of a packaging error. The wine contains sulphites, which isn’t mentioned on the label. If you’re sensitive to sulphites, you’re advised not to drink this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Halewood recalls beaujolais

  Tuesday 29 November 2011

  Halewood International is recalling one batch of Julienas Cru de Beaujolais 2010 Vintage because of a packaging error. The wine contains sulphites, which isn’t mentioned on the label. If you’re allergic or sensitive to sulphites, you’re advised not to drink this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Latest FSA e-News available online

  Tuesday 29 November 2011

  The November edition of FSA e-News highlights the new food hygiene media campaign running in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Keep an eye (and ear) out for the adverts, which will run in local and national press and on local radio, reminding consumers to wash vegetables before use to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

• Tesco recalls banoffee tart

  Friday 25 November 2011

  Tesco is recalling one batch of its frozen Tesco Finest Banoffee Tart because of a packaging error. Some of the packs contain Tesco Finest New York Cheesecake, instead of banoffee tart. The cheesecake contains egg, which is not mentioned on the label. If you are allergic or intolerant to eggs, you are advised not to eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Reminder on avoiding foodborne botulism

  Friday 25 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is reiterating its advice on the safe storage and use of food, after Clostridium botulinum was found in a single jar of ready-prepared sauce.

• People warned not to drink Drop Vodka

  Wednesday 23 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is warning consumers not to drink an illegal brand of vodka called Drop Vodka, which has been found on sale in some shops.

• Agency updates answers on cross-contamination control

  Tuesday 22 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the second edition of the Q&A on its guidance document 'E.coli O157: control of cross-contamination'.

• Vegetables: best served washed

  Tuesday 22 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today launched a new campaign reminding people to wash raw vegetables to help minimise the risk of food poisoning.

• Survey of mycotoxins published

  Tuesday 22 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published the results of a survey looking at levels of mycotoxins in food. Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by certain moulds.

• Rushmoor launches the FHRS

  Tuesday 22 November 2011

  Rushmoor Borough Council has rolled out the Agency's Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 170 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing over 135,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• FSA Board member recruitment

  Tuesday 22 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is advertising for a Deputy Chair, a Board member to represent Scotland, a Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee, and for up to three other Board Members.

• Bleiker’s recalls smoked salmon

  Friday 18 November 2011

  Bleiker’s is recalling one batch of its Traditional Oak Smoked Scottish Salmon because one pack in this small batch has been found to contain listeria. The batch number is ‘55x’ with a ‘use by’ date of 23 November 2011. If you have bought the product being recalled, do not eat it. The Agency has issued a Product Information Recall Notice.

• Update on the Loyd Grossman Korma sauce recall

  Thursday 17 November 2011

  Investigations continue into the cause of the contamination with Clostridium botulinum toxin of a single jar of Loyd Grossman’s Korma sauce.

• British Sandwich Association adopts the FHRS

  Thursday 17 November 2011

  The British Sandwich Association (BSA) has become the first trade association to use the Food Standards Agency’s national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme to set standards for its members.

• Views needed on lifting of post-Chernobyl farm restrictions

  Thursday 17 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is launching a consultation to seek views about whether to remove all post-Chernobyl controls and associated regulation on sheep farms in the UK.

• FSA Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 16 November 2011

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussion on emerging food technologies, CCTV for monitoring animal welfare at the time of slaughter, and decisions on the Agency's response to the UK Government's Red Tape Challenge.

• Stoke and Milton Keynes launch the FHRS

  Wednesday 16 November 2011

  Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Milton Keynes Council have rolled out the FSA's Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 170 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Guidance to tackle oil and chemical spills at sea

  Tuesday 15 November 2011

  New Government guidelines to help the UK prepare and respond to oil and chemical spills at sea have been published. The guidelines, produced by the Premiam project, provide advice on effective post-spill monitoring and impact assessment in UK waters.

• New food additive regulations increase consumer protection

  Tuesday 15 November 2011

  Regulations published by the European Commission on 12 November should make it easier for food and drink manufacturers and enforcement officers to understand in which foods, and at what levels, additives can be used.

• Loyd Grossman Korma sauce being recalled

  Monday 14 November 2011

  Premier Foods is recalling one date code of Loyd Grossman’s Korma sauce due to contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause botulism poisoning. The affected batch code is 1218R and the ‘best before’ date is February 2013. If you have bought this product do not eat it. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Bullock aged over 72 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Monday 14 November 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a bullock aged over 72 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at more than 72 months of age.

• FSA warning on certain jars of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce

  Sunday 13 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is advising people not to consume specific jars of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce. This is because of the risk of botulism poisoning.

• Awareness of botulism symptoms urged

  Friday 11 November 2011

  Health Protection Scotland has today issued a statement urging people to be aware of the symptoms of botulism. This follows the news that two members of the same family who are suspected of having the illness have been hospitalised.

• Call for social science papers

  Friday 11 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency UK and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), are calling for papers to be presented at the Eighth International Conference on Social Science Methodology in Sydney.

• Annual report on UK National Control Plan published

  Wednesday 9 November 2011

  The Agency has published the fourth annual report on progress during 2010 in implementing the UK's National Control Plan (NCP) for January 2007 to March 2012.

• Research call: the safety of publicly procured food

  Wednesday 9 November 2011

  The FSA is inviting researchers to tender for a project exploring how food safety is considered during the procurement of food in the UK public sector, for example in schools and care providers.

• FSA call for research

  Tuesday 8 November 2011

  The FSA is inviting researchers to tender for two projects – one to develop a tool to identify good and bad aspects of the culture towards food safety in businesses, and the other to evaluate the risk of buying food through the Internet.

• Guidance on effective imported food control

  Thursday 3 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today published guidance on effective imported food control for local authority food services. 'Effective imported food control' draws on experience gained from the Agency's programme of auditing local authority imported food services

• FSA response to Farming Regulation Task Force

  Thursday 3 November 2011

  The Westminster Government, through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has today published an initial response to the Task Force on Farming Regulation, including a response from the FSA.

• Salmonella contamination of paan leaves

  Thursday 3 November 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is warning people about the potential risk of salmonella food poisoning from paan leaves, also known as betel leaves.

• Three more local authorities launch the FHRS

  Wednesday 2 November 2011

  Blackpool Council, London Borough of Sutton and Fenland District Council have rolled out the FSA's Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 170 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing over 130,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Tuesday 1 November 2011

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Import ban on produce from Egypt extended

  Tuesday 1 November 2011

  The European Union (EU) has extended the ban on selected Egyptian seeds and beans, which was imposed following the deadly E.coli outbreaks in Europe earlier this year.

• Update on withdrawal of Gaudiano Organic Olives

  Monday 31 October 2011

  All batches of Gaudiano Organic Olives Stuffed with Almonds have been withdrawn from sale across Europe, after two people in Helsinki, Finland, were diagnosed with botulism.

• Attend an open meeting on social science

  Monday 31 October 2011

  The Social Science Research Committee has issued an open invitation to its next meeting, which will be held at the Food Standards Agency in London on Friday 4 November 2011.

• Open Meeting of Scottish Food Advisory Committee: 8 November 2011

  Friday 28 October 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Aberdeen on Tuesday 8 November 2011. You are invited to attend.

• Recall of Ryan Foods ready-to-eat products

  Friday 28 October 2011

  A number of Ryan Foods ready-to-eat products have been produced in unapproved premises under unsatisfactory hygiene conditions and distributed in the Glasgow area. Glasgow City Council has recalled the products, but it is not possible to recall them all. If you have bought any of the affected products, do not eat them. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Action.

• Morrison’s recalls Shredded Duck Kit

  Thursday 27 October 2011

  Morrison’s is recalling one batch of its Shredded Duck Kit because it has the wrong date code. The affected batch has a ‘use by’ date of 31 November 2011. It should have been labelled ‘use by’ 31 October 2011. If you have bought the product being recalled, do not eat it. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Attend the science committee's meeting

  Thursday 27 October 2011

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) is issuing an open invitation to its eighth meeting, which will be held in London on Wednesday 9 November 2011.

• Cow aged over 72 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Wednesday 26 October 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a cow aged over 72 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 72 months of age.

• Views wanted on algal oil

  Wednesday 26 October 2011

  An independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA has considered an application from a Canadian company for approval to market oil that is produced from Schizochytrium microalgae, as a novel food ingredient. Views are wanted on the expert committee’s draft opinion.

• Gaudiano olives withdrawn due to botulism

  Tuesday 25 October 2011

  A batch of olives produced in Italy has been withdrawn from sale in the UK after two people in Helsinki, Finland, were diagnosed with botulism.

• Aunt Bessie’s recalls apple crumble

  Tuesday 25 October 2011

  Aunt Bessie’s is recalling packs of its Scrumptious Bramley Apple Crumble, with a 'best before' date of end of January 2013, because small pieces of plastic might be on the top surface of the crumble. If you have purchased this product do not eat it. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Allergy labelling error in Dorset Cereals porridge

  Monday 24 October 2011

  Some packs of Dorset Cereals Gingerbread Hearty Porridge are incorrectly labelled. The product contains wheat, which is declared in the ingredients listing but omitted from the allergy advice box. Gluten is identified within the allergens advice label. This is a potential health risk for anyone allergic to wheat proteins other than gluten. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Morrisons recalls paté

  Friday 21 October 2011

  Morrisons is recalling all date codes of Duc D’Ardennes Pork and Apricot Coarse Paté. The paté contains gluten, which isn’t listed in the allergy advice box on the label. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten, you should not eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Latest FSA e-News available online

  Friday 21 October 2011

  The October edition of FSA e-News is a meaty issue. It includes a report on Agency plans to charge for meat official controls. An updated assessment of the impact of these proposals has recently been sent to the independent Regulatory Policy Committee, and the Agency awaits its opinion.

• Beverley Manor Vanilla Cheesecake recalled

  Friday 21 October 2011

  Greencore is recalling some date codes of its Beverley Manor Vanilla Cheesecake due to a labelling error. The product contains egg, which isn’t listed on the ingredients list. Anyone allergic or intolerant to egg shouldn’t eat this product. Only the products sold through Morrisons stores are affected by this recall. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Sandwell recalls Halal World meat products

  Thursday 20 October 2011

  Sandwell Foods is recalling some date codes of its Halal World lamb and beef sausages and burgers. The products contain gluten, soya, sulphites, celery or mustard, which are not listed on the label. This could be a potential health risk to anyone who is allergic or intolerant to any of these ingredients. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 10 November 2011

  Thursday 20 October 2011

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 10 November 2011.

• Radioactivity report published

  Thursday 20 October 2011

  The level of man-made radioactivity to which people are exposed, remained below the EU legal limit during 2010, says a report published today.

• Call for research on enforcement guidance

  Tuesday 18 October 2011

  The FSA is inviting researchers to tender for the development of guidance on risk-based food sampling for enforcement officers.

• Portsmouth launches the FHRS

  Tuesday 18 October 2011

  Portsmouth City Council has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Nearly 170 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing around 128,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Invitation to novel foods open event

  Friday 14 October 2011

  The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is holding an open event on novel foods in London on Thursday 24 November 2011. Everyone is welcome, including members of the public.

• National Control Plan extended to 2012

  Friday 14 October 2011

  The Food Standards Agency and the agriculture and rural affairs departments for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have produced an updated version of the UK National Control Plan, which extends it to 31 March 2012.

• The Co-op recalls Lentilles Vertes

  Friday 14 October 2011

  The Co-op is recalling all of its Wholefoods Dried Lentilles Vertes. Some packs contain wheat, which isn’t mentioned on the label. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten, you should not eat this product. The Agency has issued an allergy alert.

• Rock Farm Dairy recalls milk and cream

  Thursday 13 October 2011

  Rock Farm Dairy is recalling some date codes of milk and cream products after consumers complained about a taint and odour. No harmful health effects have been reported but if you have bought any of the products, do not eat them. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Sainsbury’s recalls Lentilles Vertes

  Wednesday 12 October 2011

  Sainsbury’s is recalling some date codes of its own-brand Lentilles Vertes. Some packs contain wheat or gluten, which is not mentioned on the pack. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten, you should not eat this product. The Agency has issued an allergy alert.

• Mars Food recalls Dolmio PastaVita

  Tuesday 11 October 2011

  Mars Food is recalling some date codes of its Dolmio PastaVita products, as they may have been insufficiently heated when they were manufactured. If you have purchased any of the products that are being recalled, do not eat them. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Update on E.coli O104 outbreaks

  Tuesday 11 October 2011

  The European Commission has amended the list of certain seeds, sprouted seeds, and beans prohibited from import to the European Union from Egypt.

• Call for research in FSA Scotland

  Tuesday 11 October 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland is inviting researchers to tender to carry out two studies, one on semicarbazide in honey and the other on the microbiological safety of small game birds.

• FSA serves up food for thought on GM

  Monday 10 October 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has served up some food for thought by publishing information about GM foods, along with the views of a wide cross-section of interested parties, in the pages of its quarterly magazine Bite.

• Scottish Food Sampling Report for 2010 published

  Friday 7 October 2011

  The majority of foods sampled for microbiological and chemical analysis by Scottish local authorities in 2010 were satisfactory, according to a report of data held on the UK Food Surveillance System (UKFSS). The results also identified where improvements could be made in relation to food handling practices in retail and catering businesses.

• FSA in Wales hosts Food Information Regulation meeting

  Thursday 6 October 2011

  The new EU Regulation on Food Information will be discussed at a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Food Standards Agency in Cardiff. The meeting will be held at 10:30am on Thursday 13 October 2011 at the FSA office, Southgate House, Wood Street, Cardiff CF10 1EW, with registration at 10:00am.

• Tesco recalls coffee and walnut cake

  Thursday 6 October 2011

  Tesco is recalling some date codes of its own-brand Coffee and Walnut cake. Pecans have accidentally been included in the cake, and are not mentioned in the ingredients list or in the allergens advice. If you are allergic to pecans, you are advised not to eat this product.

• ACAF open meeting 28 September 2011

  Wednesday 5 October 2011

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs open meeting in Aberdeen gave stakeholders an opportunity to observe the committee at work and to ask questions.

• COT looking for a new member

  Tuesday 4 October 2011

  The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) is looking for a new scientific expert member. The new member should have expertise in environmental exposure assessment, chemical risk assessment or statistics, in particular experimental design, mathematical and/or probabilistic modelling.

• Improving access to Welsh public data

  Monday 3 October 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales has welcomed the Welsh Regulators’ Forum’s report on how to make better use of information each regulator collects.

• Lindor white chocolate truffles withdrawn

  Monday 3 October 2011

  Lindt and Sprüngli has withdrawn some of its Lindor white chocolate truffles because they contain potential traces of hazelnut and almonds that could be a health risk for people who are allergic to or intolerant of hazelnuts or almonds. The Agency has issued an alert.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Monday 3 October 2011

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Consumers reminded to wash veg

  Friday 30 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is reminding consumers to follow good hygiene practices when storing and preparing vegetables, following two recent E.coli outbreaks.

• Seafood sampling wastage cut at Dounreay

  Thursday 29 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland today announced that changes have been made to the rules governing seafood sampling around Dounreay nuclear site that helps monitor radioactivity. The changes will reduce wastage while continuing to protect the public’s health and the environment.

• Heera Milk Powder recalled

  Thursday 29 September 2011

  P & B Foods Ltd is recalling Heera Milk Powder because it has been packaged in unapproved premises. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Pesticides committee looks for new members

  Wednesday 28 September 2011

  The Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) is looking for five new members, including one who will represent the Food Standards Agency. The ACP provides independent scientific advice on the safe use of pesticides.

• Asda recalls Coronation Coleslaw

  Monday 26 September 2011

  Asda is recalling its Chosen by You Coronation Coleslaw, with a 'use by' date of 29 September 2011, due to incorrect packaging. A number of containers have the wrong lid, listing it as Potato and Bacon Salad. This means the allergy warning information is incorrect, and the product is a potential health risk for people who are sensitive to sulphites.

• Research leads to fewer tests on animals

  Thursday 22 September 2011

  A recently developed method for testing shellfish for toxins, which can cause serious illness in humans, is being adopted more widely for use on oysters and scallops thanks to Agency research carried out by CEFAS.

• Co-op recalls Free From Pure Oat Muesli

  Thursday 22 September 2011

  The Co-op is recalling a certain date code of its Free From Pure Oat Muesli. A number of packets may contain gluten, which is not declared on the pack. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten you are advised not to eat this product.

• Four more councils launch the FHRS

  Thursday 22 September 2011

  East Lindsey District Council, Mole Valley District Council, and Hambleton District Council and Richmondshire District Council Environmental Health Shared Services have rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. In total, more than 165 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 120,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Morrisons recalls fruit yogurt

  Thursday 22 September 2011

  Morrisons is recalling one date code of its Value Low Fat Fruit Yogurt, because it might contain small pieces of metal. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Delicious Alchemy recalls gluten-free oats and muesli

  Thursday 22 September 2011

  Delicious Alchemy is recalling certain date codes of its Gluten Free Rolled Oats and Original Gluten Free Purely Oaty Fruity Nut Muesli. A number of packets may contain gluten, which is not declared on the pack. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten you are advised not to eat this product. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Asda recalls Free From oat muesli and porridge oats

  Wednesday 21 September 2011

  Asda is recalling certain date codes of its Chosen by You Oat Muesli and Chosen by You Porridge Oats. A number of packets may contain gluten, which is not declared on the pack. If you are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten you are advised not to eat this product.

• Positive response to Scottish healthy eating resource

  Wednesday 21 September 2011

  The eatwell week, a new healthy eating resource commissioned by the Food Standards Agency in Scotland, has received positive responses during initial testing by consumers and health professionals. It illustrates what a healthy balanced diet looks like during the course of a week.

• Packaging error on Walkers salt and vinegar crisps

  Wednesday 21 September 2011

  A packaging error means that bags of Walkers salt and vinegar crisps (25g) within Walkers multipacks have been labelled incorrectly as containing milk lactose and dried milk. This is inconsistent with the outer packaging of the multipacks, which correctly does not include milk in the ingredients list.

• Latest FSA e-News available online

  Wednesday 21 September 2011

  The September issue of FSA e-News, which is now available online, contains news of the Agency’s food safety activities throughout the UK.

• Tesco recalls Free From muesli and porridge

  Tuesday 20 September 2011

  Tesco is recalling certain date codes of its Free From Pure Oat Fruit Muesli and Free From Pure Porridge Oats. The product may contain low levels of gluten, which is not declared on the pack. If you are allergic or sensitive to wheat or gluten you are advised not to eat this product.

• Agency advises ministers on EU feed ban proposals

  Tuesday 20 September 2011

  The FSA has written to Government ministers setting out its advice not to support European Commission proposals that the European Union should relax a ban on using pig and poultry processed animal proteins (PAP) in feed.

• Sainsbury's recalls some Freefrom Pure Oats

  Tuesday 20 September 2011

  Sainsbury's has recalled some batches of its own-brand Freefrom Pure Oats, as its testing has found low levels of gluten (wheat) in some packets. This is a potential health risk for individuals who are allergic or intolerant to wheat or gluten, as the labelling doesn't list this as an ingredient. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• FSA takes the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme message to Stormont

  Monday 19 September 2011

  Tim Smith, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, is today addressing members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Northern Ireland council representatives and other key stakeholders on the roll out of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

• Tower Bakery recalls savoury products in Scotland

  Friday 16 September 2011

  Tower Bakery is recalling nine varieties of savoury product from Scotmid and Co-operative Stores because the products have been labelled with incorrect date codes. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Booths withdraws its Caesar Salad

  Thursday 15 September 2011

  Booths has withdrawn all date codes of its Caesar Salad due to incorrect allergen information on the packaging. The dressing contains fish from anchovy essence, which has not been mentioned on the label. This is a potential health risk for anyone who is allergic or sensitive to fish. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Guidance launched on removing food colours

  Thursday 15 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today published guidance to help food businesses remove from their products certain food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Guidance to end confusing date labels

  Thursday 15 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency and Defra have today published new guidance to help the food industry decide whether their products require a 'use by' or 'best before' date.

• Wales video conference link to Veterinary Residues Committee open meeting – 12 October

  Wednesday 14 September 2011

  A video conference link to the Veterinary Residues Committee open meeting being held in London on Wednesday 12 October, will be available from the Agency office in Cardiff. If you would like to join this meeting by video conference, please contact Deb Morgan on 02920 678938.

• Leicester launches the FHRS

  Tuesday 13 September 2011

  Leicester City Council has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. In total, 165 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 120,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Chief Scientist's annual report published

  Tuesday 13 September 2011

  The Agency has today published a review of its science and research during the past year.

• Veterinary Products Committee seeks members

  Monday 12 September 2011

  The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), which advises the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), is seeking eight new members to fill a range of positions.

• InBev recalls Stella Artois Cidre

  Friday 9 September 2011

  InBev has recalled three batch codes of Stella Artois Cidre in bottles. Due to yeast contamination, there is a risk of fermentation that may cause the bottles to burst unexpectedly. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Warning on botulism outbreak in France

  Thursday 8 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is warning people not to consume certain branded foods that have been linked to an outbreak of botulism in France. Botulism is a rare but serious illness that causes muscle weakness and breathing problems, and can be fatal.

• FSA Board meeting available online

  Thursday 8 September 2011

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included the proposal to relax certain provisions of the current animal feed ban, the imports strategy and the extension of remedial action notices to all food establishments.

• Specialists needed for official controls

  Thursday 8 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is inviting specialists to apply to carry out a range of specialist official control activities on its behalf.

• Board decision on publication of meat audit reports

  Wednesday 7 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency Board today agreed to routinely publish the audit reports of meat plants, as part of the Agency’s commitment to openness.

• Review of meat controls research published

  Tuesday 6 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the final reports from a programme of research into the modernisation of meat controls in the UK.

• Upset stomachs cost UK 11 million working days

  Tuesday 6 September 2011

  Nearly 17 million people suffer from stomach upsets in the UK every year, leading to about 11 million lost working days, new research published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has found.

• Barking and Dagenham Council launches the FHRS

  Tuesday 6 September 2011

  The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. In total, 165 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 120,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Veterinary Residues Committee to hold open meeting

  Monday 5 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency will be hosting the first open meeting of the Veterinary Residues Committee (VRC) since it was reconstituted as a Defra expert committee, on Wednesday 12 October.

• Consumers surveyed oppose animal protein in feed

  Monday 5 September 2011

  A majority of people taking part in research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency were against European Union (EU) proposals to relax a ban on using processed animal protein (PAP) in livestock feed for chicken and pigs.

• Update on impact of meat charging proposals

  Monday 5 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published an updated assessment of the impact of its proposals to increase charges for official controls on meat. The Agency is proposing to increase the charges paid by industry for the work carried out by vets and meat inspectors in slaughterhouses, meat cutting plants and game handling establishments.

• Outbreak of salmonella in eggs now over

  Monday 5 September 2011

  An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning in the UK that was linked to eggs from a farm in Spain has been declared over.

• Call for a survey of allergen labelling

  Friday 2 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is inviting researchers to carry out a survey of allergen advisory labelling to provide a better understanding of whether the labelling relates to the actual level of allergen present in processed foods. It will also help the FSA gather information on the levels of allergens present as a result of cross-contamination.

• Marks & Spencer roast potatoes withdrawn

  Friday 2 September 2011

  Marks & Spencer has withdrawn two date codes of its roast potatoes, because they contain gluten, wheat and milk that is not mentioned on the label. Therefore, this is a potential health risk for individuals who are allergic or sensitive to wheat, gluten or milk.

• Agency announces plan to unify food hygiene rating schemes

  Thursday 1 September 2011

  The FSA is today setting out its plans to encourage all remaining local authorities in England and Northern Ireland to adopt the Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).

• Board member resigns

  Thursday 1 September 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that Dr David Cameron has tendered his resignation to the Scottish Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, as a member of the FSA Board and Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee. Dr Cameron’s resignation has been accepted.

• Social science annual report published

  Wednesday 31 August 2011

  The Social Science Research Committee (SSRC) has published its 2010/2011 annual report.

• Changes to food business approval process

  Friday 26 August 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is today contacting relevant groups about important changes to the approvals process for establishments that require approval under European Union food or feed hygiene legislation.

• Asda recalls six Chosen By You drinks

  Friday 26 August 2011

  As a precaution, Asda is recalling all date codes of six Asda Chosen By You drinks due to the possible risk of choking associated with the sports caps on the bottles. There is a possibility that the white shutter cap could become loose. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Waitrose recalls own brand meat products

  Friday 26 August 2011

  Waitrose is recalling packs of its own brand Cook’s Ingredients Pulled Ham Hock, with ‘use by’ dates of 27, 29 and 31 August 2011, and one pack of its own brand Essential Corned Beef, with a ‘use by’ date of 2 September 2011, because there is a possible risk of microbiological contamination.

• Wrong icon on Onken wholegrain yoghurt

  Wednesday 24 August 2011

  Some pots of Onken’s strawberry, peach and summer berries wholegrain yoghurts incorrectly include a gluten-free icon on the packaging.

• Eastbourne launches the FHRS

  Wednesday 24 August 2011

  Eastbourne Borough Council has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 160 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing nearly 120,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Review of food safety in the home

  Monday 22 August 2011

  The Agency has published a review of existing studies that explore how people manage food safety in their homes and what implications these behaviours could have on their health.

• Views wanted on edible insect consumption

  Tuesday 16 August 2011

  The FSA is seeking information from relevant groups on the sale and consumption of whole insects and other animals, such as worms, in the UK, including details of species that are currently on sale.

• Doves Farm dark chocolate chip cookies withdrawn

  Tuesday 16 August 2011

  Doves Farm has withdrawn one batch code of its dark chocolate chip cookies because they contain milk, which is not mentioned on the label.

• Appointment of three new ACAF members

  Tuesday 16 August 2011

  Jeff Rooker, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, has announced the appointment of Angela Booth, David Peers and Christine McAlinden as members of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF).

• Bakestone Fruited Scones withdrawn

  Monday 15 August 2011

  Quayside Bakery has withdrawn packs of its Bakestone Fruited Scones with ‘best before’ dates between 10 August 2011 and 18 August 2011 inclusive, because the product contains milk, which is not mentioned on the label.

• Open Meeting of Scottish Food Advisory Committee: 24 August 2011

  Monday 15 August 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Aberdeen on Wednesday 24 August 2011.

• Morrisons recalls its Omega Mix

  Wednesday 10 August 2011

  Morrisons has recalled all packs of its Omega Mix of seeds because the product contains barley gluten, which is not mentioned in the allergy information on the product label.

• Call for innovative research ideas

  Wednesday 10 August 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is inviting researchers to come up with innovative approaches to answering four key food safety challenges.

• Views sought on proposal to revise PARNUT foods legislation

  Wednesday 10 August 2011

  The European Commission is reviewing the current Framework Directive (Directive 2009/39/EC) on foods intended for particular nutritional uses (also known as ‘PARNUT’ or dietetic foods). The proposal includes changes to claims about gluten. The UK governments have launched consultations to seek views on the proposal to inform forthcoming negotiations within Europe.

• Suspension of Board member

  Monday 8 August 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has confirmed that Board member Dr David Cameron, Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee, has been suspended from both posts because of an allegation of gross misconduct. The allegation is subject to an ongoing inquiry and until that is complete the FSA will not make any further comment.

• South Bucks launches the FHRS

  Monday 8 August 2011

  South Bucks District Council has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Nearly 160 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 115,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 1 September 2011

  Friday 5 August 2011

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday, 1 September 2011.

• Recall of some KETTLE® Chips

  Wednesday 3 August 2011

  Some packs of KETTLE® Chips with a ‘best before’ date of 29 October 2011 are being recalled because they might contain pieces of plastic that look similar to the crisps. The Agency has issued a Product Information Recall Notice.

• Warning about drinking 'Zam Zam' water

  Wednesday 3 August 2011

  As Muslims observe Ramadan, the FSA advises that people should consider avoiding drinking bottled water described or labelled as Zam Zam water. This is because tests have shown ‘Zam Zam’ water sold in the UK, or brought into the UK for personal consumption, may contain high levels of arsenic or nitrates.

• DVD guide for butchers launched

  Tuesday 2 August 2011

  The FSA has produced a DVD for those working in butchers shops to encourage them to think about the type of food safety risks they face in their business and how they should control them. It features three butchers talking about the steps they have taken to reduce food safety risks.

• Agency statement on animal abuse at Cheale Meats

  Friday 29 July 2011

  The Agency is setting out its actions and responsibilities following the publication of footage taken by Animal Aid at Cheale Meats in Essex. The footage shows pigs being abused and manhandled in breach of animal welfare legislation.

• Sainsbury's withdraws some cookies

  Thursday 28 July 2011

  Sainsbury’s has withdrawn its own-brand freefrom Stem Ginger Cookies with a ‘best before’ date of 23 December 2011, because the product has incorrectly been packed with Sainsbury’s freefrom Chocolate Chip Cookies that contain soya. This means the product is a possible risk for anyone who is allergic to soya.

• Views wanted on cockerel combs extract

  Thursday 28 July 2011

  An independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA has considered an application from a Spanish company for approval to market cockerel combs extract as a novel food ingredient. Views are wanted on the expert committee’s draft opinion.

• Batch of Euro Shopper milk chocolate recalled

  Wednesday 27 July 2011

  Booker Ltd has recalled a batch of its own brand Euro Shopper Milk Chocolate because, due to a packaging error, the batch may contain nuts. The presence of nuts that are not mentioned on the label poses a health risk to those allergic to nuts.

• Latest issue of FSA e-News available online

  Monday 25 July 2011

  Front line enforcement staff who work day-in, day-out to ensure our food is safe, are the invisible heroes of our food-safety system. This month’s FSA e-News reports on how the BBC has managed to bring them out of the shadows by following some of them as they carry out their daily routines.

• Sainsbury's recalls fishcakes

  Friday 22 July 2011

  Sainsbury’s is recalling a batch of its Taste the Difference Melting Middle 2 Smoked Haddock with Cheddar and Leek Fishcakes because they might be contaminated with small pieces of metal. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• New system for procurement

  Friday 22 July 2011

  The FSA has switched to a new electronic tendering system for procurement. The first projects being advertised are a survey of campylobacter in chicken and the development of a method for dietary assessment.

• Agency updates advice on E. coli O104

  Thursday 21 July 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today changed its precautionary advice to consumers following the recent outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 in Germany and France linked to sprouted seeds.

• Public attitudes survey published

  Wednesday 20 July 2011

  The latest results from the Agency’s biannual public attitudes tracker have been published today.

• Update on steviol glycosides

  Monday 18 July 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is today publishing an update on the sweetener steviol glycosides. The European Union is currently examining whether the sweeteners should be authorised for use in food. Earlier this month, member states voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to authorise steviol glycosides in a range of foods.

• Greater Manchester is running the FHRS

  Monday 18 July 2011

  All 10 of Greater Manchester’s local authorities have rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. This means that nearly 160 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 100,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings. Greater Manchester is the first large metropolitan area to be covered by the scheme.

• Views wanted on taxifolin

  Friday 15 July 2011

  A Russian company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market taxifolin as a novel food ingredient. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), an independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA, has now considered this application and has prepared a draft initial opinion.

• Views sought on modified starch ingredient

  Friday 15 July 2011

  A company from the United States has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market phosphated distarch phosphate as a novel food ingredient. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), an independent committee of scientists appointed by the FSA, has now considered this application and has prepared a draft initial opinion.

• Asda recalls Fresh Tastes Pouch Haddock

  Thursday 14 July 2011

  Asda is recalling some of its Fresh Tastes Pouch Haddock, as it has been packed incorrectly, affecting part of one batch code. The pouch may contain a chicken and bacon product which contains mustard in the sauce. This makes the product a potential health risk for people who are allergic or sensitive to mustard.

• General Advisory Committee on Science annual report 2010/11

  Wednesday 13 July 2011

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) has today published its third annual report, which describes the committee’s work over the past year. GACS provides independent advice to the Food Standards Agency on how the FSA uses science.

• Agency Board response to farming task force

  Wednesday 13 July 2011

  Yesterday’s open Board meeting discussed the Food Standards Agency’s response to the Macdonald Farming Regulation Task Force Report and the recommendations that relate to the FSA.

• FSA Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 13 July 2011

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussion on the Official Controls Delivery Review, the Compliance and Enforcement Strategy and the FSA's response to the Farming Regulation Task Force. The annual reports of the General Advisory Committee on Science and of the Chief Scientist were also discussed.

• Annual report and accounts 2010/11 published

  Tuesday 12 July 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its Annual Report and Accounts 2010/11. The report highlights that during the past year, the Agency delivered a £32m reduction in underlying expenditure, with the net cost of the FSA falling from £139m in 2009/10 to £107m in 2010/11*.

• Donegal Catch fish fillets withdrawn in Northern Ireland

  Friday 8 July 2011

  Due to a packaging error, some Donegal Catch Limited Edition Fish Fillets in a golden breadcrumb have been packed with battered fish fillets instead of breadcrumbed fish fillets. Battered fish fillets contain milk, which is not an ingredient in the breaded fillets, and is not labelled on the packets.

• Update on E.coli O104 outbreaks

  Thursday 7 July 2011

  The European Commission has confirmed details of the withdrawal from sale of certain batches of fenugreek seeds sourced from Egypt, which have been linked to two recent outbreaks of E.coli O104 in Germany and France.

• EFSA taskforce report on E. coli O104 outbreaks

  Tuesday 5 July 2011

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has today published its report into the possible source of the recent E. coli O104 outbreaks in Germany and France. In line with this report, the Food Standards Agency is confirming its current precautionary advice.

• Agency appoints interim Deputy Chair

  Tuesday 5 July 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today announced the appointment of Tim Bennett (pictured, left) as the interim Deputy Chair of the FSA, following the departure of Ian Reynolds in May. Mr Bennett, a Board member since March 2008, will serve as the interim deputy chair while a permanent deputy is recruited.

• Rochdale launches Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

  Tuesday 5 July 2011

  Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council has rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 150 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 100,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Ipswich and Tameside launch the FHRS

  Friday 1 July 2011

  Ipswich Borough Council and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council have rolled out the FSA’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 150 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing more than 100,000 ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• FSA advice on sprouted seeds and E.coli

  Friday 1 July 2011

  While investigations into the source of the recent outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 in France and Germany are continuing, the Agency is reminding people that sprouted seeds should not be eaten raw.

• Asda withdraws some of its croissants

  Friday 1 July 2011

  Asda has withdrawn its own-brand 6-pack croissants with a ‘best before’ date of 19 July 2011, because the packs have been packed with Asda Chocolatines that contain soya. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to soya. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• FSA issues warning about eating clay

  Thursday 30 June 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is advising pregnant women not to eat clay, sometimes known as ‘sikor’ or ‘shikor mati’, because it may contain high levels of toxic chemicals that could harm their babies.

• Farmer Gosden’s Dairy recalls ice cream

  Thursday 30 June 2011

  Farmer Gosden’s Dairy is recalling all varieties of its Luxury Jersey Ice Cream with ‘best before’ dates from 1 October 2011 to 28 December 2011, because the ice cream might be contaminated with bacteria, but are not present at high enough levels to cause a risk to health.

• Improved risk-based dairy inspections

  Thursday 30 June 2011

  From 1 July 2011, the Agency will be changing the frequency of official hygiene inspections on dairy farms in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, to make the system more proportionate to the food safety risks.

• Local authority audits published

  Wednesday 29 June 2011

  The Agency has published the first audits from its programme looking at imported feed controls, as well as the summary report for the programme of imported feed and food audits.

• Asda withdraws popcorn product

  Tuesday 28 June 2011

  Asda has withdrawn some of its Strawberry & White Chocolate Popcorn because it contains pecan and milk chocolate popcorn that is not mentioned on the box. This means that the product is a risk to anyone who is allergic to, or intolerant of, nuts. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Latest FSA e-News available online

  Tuesday 28 June 2011

  Partnership working works – if activities during Food Safety Week and the expansion of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) are anything to go by. And you can find out about all the latest developments in the June issue of FSA e-News, which is now available online.

• Updated sprouted beans statement

  Saturday 25 June 2011

  Following further cases of E. coli in France, the Food Standards Agency is revising its guidance on the consumption of sprouted seeds such as alfalfa, mung beans (usually known as beansprouts) and fenugreek.

• Lamond bakery products withdrawn in Scotland

  Friday 24 June 2011

  Lamond the Baker is withdrawing three products in Scotland from the Co-operative and Scotmid co-operative stores, because they contain egg, which is not mentioned in the allergy advice box. This means the products are a possible health risk to anyone who is allergic or intolerant to egg. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• New members of microbiological committee

  Friday 24 June 2011

  Lord Jeff Rooker, the Chair of the Food Standards Agency, has announced four new appointments to the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF).

• Morrisons recalls its Scottish cooked crab claws

  Thursday 23 June 2011

  Morrisons has recalled a batch of its Scottish cooked crab claws snap and eat, as the products have been labelled with the wrong ‘use-by’ date. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Research on allergy labelling use

  Thursday 23 June 2011

  New research, published today by the Food Standards Agency, provides insights on how people with life-threatening nut allergies use food labels when choosing what food to buy and eat. The research will be used to help produce clearer allergy information for consumers.

• Pendle launches Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

  Wednesday 22 June 2011

  Pendle Borough Council has rolled out the Food Standards Agency’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More than 150 local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are now publishing ratings at food.gov.uk/ratings. Other local authorities will be rolling out the scheme over the next few months.

• Salt intakes remain static in Scotland

  Wednesday 22 June 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland (FSAS) has published research indicating no significant change in the amount of salt consumed by people in Scotland since 2006.

• Open Meeting of Scottish Food Advisory Committee: 6 July 2011

  Monday 20 June 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Edinburgh on Wednesday 6 July 2011.

• The Co-operative recalls salad dressing

  Friday 17 June 2011

  The Co-operative is recalling all batches of three types of salad dressing because there may be salmonella in one of the ingredients. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Iceland recalls beef in oyster sauce noodles

  Friday 17 June 2011

  Due to a packaging error, Iceland’s Beef in Oyster Sauce Noodle Bowl contains undeclared peanut, fish and shellfish. These undeclared allergens pose a public health risk to those allergic or sensitive to peanuts, fish or shellfish, so the Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Morrisons withdraws an own-brand muesli

  Thursday 16 June 2011

  Due to a packaging error Morrisons The Best Fruit Muesli 500g may contain nuts. Undeclared nuts pose a health risk to people allergic to nuts, so the Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Open meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 7 July 2011

  Wednesday 15 June 2011

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 7 July 2011.

• FHRS achieves 150 local authority adopters

  Tuesday 14 June 2011

  Newcastle-Under-Lyme Borough Council has today become the 150th local authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to roll out the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Other local authorities will be rolling out the scheme over the next few months. Ratings from all participating councils can be found at food.gov.uk/ratings.

• Food Standards Agency publishes local authority audit

  Monday 13 June 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its report of a recent focused audit on the feed law enforcement services of Newport City Council. The report can be found attached to this document.

• Bite gets its teeth into science and evidence

  Monday 13 June 2011

  What do we mean when we say that the Agency is science and evidence-based? The current issue of Bite, which you can now read online, looks in depth at how this core value influences the Agency’s work and policy-making.

• Dr Oetker Chicago Town pizza recalled

  Monday 13 June 2011

  Dr Oetker is recalling some of its Chicago Town The Deep Dish pepperoni pizza because it might contain small pieces of metal. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Agency update on E. coli outbreak in Germany

  Friday 10 June 2011

  The German authorities have today updated their position on the E. coli outbreak in Germany.

• Aldi withdraws batch of Greisinger sausages

  Thursday 9 June 2011

  Aldi Stores has withdrawn one batch of Greisinger Cheese Cabanossi Austrian air dried, hot smoked and seasoned sausages due to incorrect allergen labelling. It is labelled as dairy-free but contains cheese. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Board advises on increase in BSE testing age

  Wednesday 8 June 2011

  The Agency has advised Ministers that it would be acceptable to increase the age at which BSE tests are carried out on healthy cattle slaughtered for human consumption.

• ACAF open meeting 1 June 2011

  Tuesday 7 June 2011

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs meeting was held in open session, giving stakeholders an opportunity to observe this Government advisory committee at work and to ask questions.

• Food Safety Week in Wales 2011

  Tuesday 7 June 2011

  With the major E.coli incident ongoing in Europe, the annual Food Safety Week is a strong reminder of the importance of following good food hygiene.

• Agency update on E.coli outbreak in Germany

  Monday 6 June 2011

  German authorities have reported that a mix of sprouted seeds, which are used in salads and includes lentils, alfalfa seeds, fenugreek and adzuki beans, could be the cause of the E.coli outbreak.*

• Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme launched in Northern Ireland

  Monday 6 June 2011

  Councils across Northern Ireland are today rolling out the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), designed to inform people about the food hygiene ratings of local food outlets.

• Food Safety Week 2011

  Monday 6 June 2011

  With the major E.coli incident ongoing in Europe, the start of the annual Food Safety Week is a strong reminder of the importance of following good food hygiene.

• Agency update on E.coli outbreak in Germany

  Saturday 4 June 2011

  The Agency is continuing to liaise with the European Commission, other Government agencies and industry bodies on the ongoing investigation into the E.coli outbreak in Germany. We will update this site as we have further details.

• Agency publishes Q&A on cross-contamination guidance

  Thursday 2 June 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published a Q&A document in response to feedback on its guidance on the control of cross-contamination with E. coli O157.

• Investigations continue into E. coli outbreak

  Wednesday 1 June 2011

  The Agency is continuing to monitor closely the ongoing investigation into the outbreak of E. coli in Europe.

• Asiana recalls Uni President soft drinks

  Wednesday 1 June 2011

  Asiana is recalling all cans of Uni President brand Calamondin Lemon Drink, Sugar Cane Drink and Guava Drink, because the products contain two unauthorised ingredients (DINP and DEHP).

• Maison Blanc cake contains undeclared allergen

  Wednesday 1 June 2011

  The Agency has been notified that Maison Blanc has withdrawn its Apricot and Almond Cake because it contains milk, which is not mentioned in the allergy advice on the product label. Butter is included in the ingredients list.

• Latest FSA e-News published and available online

  Friday 27 May 2011

  There’s lots of good bank holiday reading in this month’s FSA e-News, which is now available online.

• Update on E. coli outbreak in Germany

  Friday 27 May 2011

  The Agency is now providing further information in relation to the E. coli outbreak that is taking place in Germany.

• Two Channell's Norfolk Preserves sauces contain undeclared allergens

  Thursday 26 May 2011

  The Agency has been notified that Channell’s Norfolk Preserves Ltd is relabelling its Sticky Rib Sauce and Barbecue Sauce products because they contain allergens that are not mentioned on the labels. This means the products are a possible health risk to anyone allergic to any of those foods.

• Nanotechnologies group minutes published

  Thursday 26 May 2011

  The Agency has published the minutes of the second Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group meeting, which was held on 5 April 2011.

• Board meeting available online

  Thursday 26 May 2011

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included a discussion on charges for official controls on meat, a proposed reduction in BSE testing, animal cloning for food production, and the impacts on the FSA of devolution and machinery of Government changes in relation to nutrition.

• E.coli outbreak in Germany

  Thursday 26 May 2011

  The Agency is aware of the serious E.coli outbreak that is currently taking place in Germany. We are monitoring the situation closely and if there are any implications for food distributed in the UK we will provide an update.

• Board agrees to take forward meat charging proposals

  Wednesday 25 May 2011

  At its open meeting today in Belfast, the Food Standards Agency Board discussed future charging for official controls on meat.

• Agency announces training programme for enforcement officers

  Wednesday 25 May 2011

  The Agency is pleased to announce an extension of the training programme available to Local Authority food and feed law enforcement officers up to December 2011.

• Incidents report published

  Tuesday 24 May 2011

  The FSA today publishes its 'Annual Report of Incidents 2010'. The report includes case studies of some of the 1,505 incidents we handled during 2010, and which contributed to our overall strategic objective of safer food for the nation.

• Applications invited for EFSA Management Board

  Tuesday 24 May 2011

  The European Commission is organising a selection procedure to replace seven members of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Management Board whose mandates will expire on 30 June 2012.

• Booja Booja withdraws chocolate truffles

  Tuesday 24 May 2011

  All packs of these Booja Booja chocolate truffles have been withdrawn because they might contain milk: Hazlenut Crunch, Around Midnight Espresso, Ginger Wine, Cognac Banana, Champagne, Gourmet Selection and Luxury Gift Box. These seven products are a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to, or intolerance of, milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Snax 4 U withdraws two products

  Monday 23 May 2011

  Snax 4 U has withdrawn all packs of its Chicken Tikka Drumsticks, and Chicken Biryani and Rice Ready Meal, because the two products were made on and supplied by an unapproved premises. The Agency has issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice.

• Have your say on what you see

  Thursday 19 May 2011

  The FSA in Northern Ireland is currently undertaking a review of the food.gov.uk/northernireland pages to enhance your and other visitors’ experiences in obtaining information quickly and efficiently.

• Asda recalls three Japanese-style snacks

  Thursday 19 May 2011

  Asda has recalled certain packs of its Japanese Style Spicy Rice Cracker Mix, Spicy Wasabi Mix and Japanese Style Baked Rice Cracker Mix, because they possibly contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• FSA Board member

  Thursday 19 May 2011

  Dr Ian Reynolds has decided to leave the Board of the Food Standards Agency, with immediate effect, in order to pursue other interests.

• Doves Farm chocolate drops withdrawn

  Wednesday 18 May 2011

  Doves Farm Foods has withdrawn some of its Organic Plain Chocolate Drops, because the product contains milk, which is not an intended ingredient. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• 'Gluten-free' guide published

  Monday 16 May 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has launched a new factsheet to help caterers understand when to label food ‘gluten free’ when the rules change next year. It has been published to coincide with National Coeliac Awareness Week.

• Places still available at meat control meetings

  Monday 16 May 2011

  Places are still available for anyone interested in attending public discussions on proposals to charge the UK meat industry the full cost of official controls on meat.

• Meat controls charging update

  Friday 13 May 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today published a Board paper that updates its proposals for charging the meat industry the full cost of delivering official controls in meat plants.

• Board update on clones and offspring

  Friday 13 May 2011

  Following a stakeholder consultation, the Agency will be updating the next meeting of the Board on animal cloning and the FSA’s decision to change its advice on the legal status of food from the descendants of cloned cattle and pigs.

• Taking the Red Tape Challenge

  Thursday 12 May 2011

  Minimising the burden on industry is a top priority for the Government. On 6 May FSA legislation was published on the Government’s Red Tape Challenge website to give all our stakeholders the opportunity to comment on our current legislation.

• Lidl recalls cheese slices

  Thursday 12 May 2011

  Lidl is recalling St Maarten Classic Belgian Cheese Slices because they may be contaminated with listeria. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Local authority audit published

  Thursday 12 May 2011

  The Agency has published its audit report for North East Lincolnshire. The audit examines the offcial controls on imported fgeed and food not of animal origin at Grimsby and Immingham Port.

• Working in partnership: views wanted

  Thursday 12 May 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is today launching a consultation to get the public’s views on a framework that will be used when deciding when and how to use external data from industry and non-governmental organisations. The framework will also be used when considering whether to jointly fund research with industry or non-governmental organisations.

• Call for research

  Tuesday 10 May 2011

  The Agency is commissioning a number of surveys of microbiological and chemical contaminants in food, as well as a trial of visual post-mortem inspections in pigs, and a study to investigate the effect of processing on pesticide residues in food.

• Views wanted on chia seeds

  Monday 9 May 2011

  The Chia Company, based in Australia, has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market chia seed in baked goods, breakfast cereals, and fruit, nut and seed mixes. The company currently has authorisation, under the novel food regulations, to market chia seed in bread products at a maximum level of 5%.

• Open Meeting of Scottish Food Advisory Committee (19 May 2011)

  Friday 6 May 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Aberdeen on Thursday 19 May 2011.

• Food Law Practice Guidance published

  Friday 6 May 2011

  The Agency has today published updated Practice Guidance for the Food Law Code of Practice.

• Public meetings on charging for meat controls

  Wednesday 4 May 2011

  The Agency will be holding four public meetings in different parts of England this month, about proposals to charge the UK meat industry the full cost of official controls on meat.

• Open Meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee (19 May 2011)

  Thursday 28 April 2011

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on 19 May 2011.

• Spinal cord found in British sheep carcass

  Tuesday 26 April 2011

  On 10 March 2011, during a routine inspection by Food Standards Agency staff, a health-marked ewe carcass containing spinal cord was discovered at S B Basildene Ltd, an approved cutting plant in Renfrewshire in Scotland.

• Jane Asher Creations Milkybar: My First Baking Mix recalled

  Tuesday 26 April 2011

  Victoria Foods has recalled its Jane Asher Creations Milkybar: My First Baking Mix with a ‘best before’ end dates of October 2011 or November 2011. This is because the Nestlé Milkybar Buttons in the carton may contain small pieces of rubber. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Nestlé recalls some Milkybar Buttons

  Tuesday 26 April 2011

  Nestlé has recalled some packs of its Milkybar Buttons, because the products may contain small pieces of rubber. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Views on nanotechnology: research published

  Thursday 21 April 2011

  The FSA has published a report of consumers' views on the use of nanotechnology in food and food packaging. The focus group research, which asked participants about their views on nanotechnology in late 2010 and early 2011, was carried out as part of the FSA's programme of work on nanotechnology.

• Teamwork puts food fraudster in the dock

  Thursday 21 April 2011

  Joint work by the Food Standards Agency, the police, trading standards staff, environmental health officers and customs officials has cracked a nationwide counterfeit-vodka fraud that could have endangered people’s lives. And you can read all about it in the latest issue of FSA e-News.

• Morrisons recalls products containing allergens

  Tuesday 19 April 2011

  Morrisons has recalled three of its products because they contain allergens not mentioned on the product packaging. The allergens are milk, soya, fish and gluten. The Agency has issued three Allergy Alerts advising anyone with an allergy to or intolerance of an allergen to not eat the product containing that allergen because it might be a possible health risk to them.

• Bull aged over 48 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Monday 18 April 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a bull aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 48 months of age.

• Reappointment of five ACAF members

  Wednesday 13 April 2011

  Jeff Rooker, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, has announced the re-appointment of five members of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF). They are Dr Ian Brown (Chair), Professor Ian Givens and Messrs Edwin Snow, Tim Brigstocke and Barrie Fleming.

• Imported food from Japan update

  Tuesday 12 April 2011

  The European Union has decided to review the maximum levels of certain radioactive elements permitted in food and feed being exported into the UK from certain areas of Japan.

• Veterinary committees seek new members

  Tuesday 12 April 2011

  The Veterinary Residues Committee (VRC) and the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) are seeking new members and, in the case of the VPC, a new Chair.

• Bernard Matthews Farms Turkey Goujons recalled

  Monday 11 April 2011

  Bernard Matthews Farms is recalling its turkey goujons with a ‘use by’ date of 13 April 2011, because the product possibly contains small pieces of hard plastic. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Everest Dairies recalls paneer cheeses

  Thursday 7 April 2011

  Everest Dairies is recalling some packs of certain brands of paneer cheese because the milk used to make the paneer might contain residues of veterinary medicines. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Japanese radiation update

  Thursday 7 April 2011

  Following reports that radiation from Fukushima has been detected in the UK, the Food Standards Agency can confirm that levels are far too low to cause any concerns over the safety of any food in the UK.

• Pesticides committee seeks new members

  Tuesday 5 April 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is looking to nominate a new member for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP).

• Views wanted on algal application

  Monday 4 April 2011

  A Canadian company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market algal oil that is produced from Schizochytrium microalgae, as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

• Nanotechnologies group agenda published

  Monday 4 April 2011

  The FSA’s Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group is holding its second meeting on Tuesday 5 April 2011. The agenda of the meeting has been published.

• EFSA call for experts

  Friday 1 April 2011

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a call to renew the membership of its Scientific Panels and Scientific Committee and to create reserve lists. EFSA is the European Union’s scientific risk assessment body on food and feed safety, nutrition, animal welfare and plant protection and health.

• Sainsbury's withdraws some Freefrom Chocolate Sponge Pudding

  Friday 1 April 2011

  Sainsbury’s has withdrawn its Freefrom Chocolate Sponge Pudding with a 'best before' date of 13 April 2011, because the product contains low levels of milk protein. Milk is not an intended ingredient and this makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• FSA highlights raw milk rules

  Thursday 31 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding local authorities and dairy businesses about the rules on the sale of raw drinking milk and unpasteurised dairy products. This follows the announcement by Defra that cattle testing positive for bovine tuberculosis, known as TB reactors, are to be tracked using their DNA to further strengthen controls to prevent the spread of TB.

• Fray Bentos canned pies recalled

  Wednesday 30 March 2011

  Premier Foods is recalling some of its Fray Bentos canned meat pies because the pies might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Latest FSA e-News looks at 'known unknowns'

  Tuesday 29 March 2011

  Honesty is the best policy when it comes to scientists discussing what they know or don’t know about allergy. This was one of the key points that came out of a national conference that looked at how best to communicate the science of allergy.

• Counterfeit Jacob's Creek wines

  Tuesday 29 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has been made aware that counterfeit wines labelled as Jacob’s Creek wines are being offered for sale in the Greater London area. The FSA is sharing intelligence with the brand owner, Pernod Ricard, and local trading standards officers investigating this issue.

• FSA publishes updated Strategy to 2015

  Monday 28 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its updated Strategy to 2015: Safer food for the nation.

• Board agree principles of openness

  Friday 25 March 2011

  The FSA is reviewing the way information and technical data is presented to the public, following a discussion on openness and transparency at the FSA Board meeting this week.

• Update on food imports from Japan

  Friday 25 March 2011

  Checks are to be carried out by the Japanese authorities on food and feed exported from certain regions of Japan, where production could be affected by the nuclear accident. This is following a vote in the European Commission last night about whether extra checks are needed to monitor food imported from Japan.

• COT opinion on methanol safety

  Friday 25 March 2011

  The FSA’s independent Committee on Toxicity (COT) has concluded that long-term exposure to methanol consumed through food, including from aspartame, is unlikely to be harmful to health.

• FRijj Strawberry Milkshake recalled

  Friday 25 March 2011

  Dairy Crest has recalled one batch of its FRijj Thick and Fresh Strawberry Milkshake because it contains low levels of listeria. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Launch of Food Standards Training Manual

  Friday 25 March 2011

  The FSA in Scotland (FSAS) is launching a Food Standards Training Manual that will act as a reference document for food standards legislation in Scotland and provide associated codes of practice and relevant guidance notes.

• Research on mixed dioxins published

  Thursday 24 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published the outcome of a two-year investigation into the presence of mixed halogenated dioxins and biphenyls in food.

• FSA Board meeting

  Thursday 24 March 2011

  Tuesday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions of the revised Strategic Plan 2010–2015; the refreshed Science and Evidence Strategy 2010–2015; openness and transparency and the publication of information; the Chair of the Risk Committee's annual report; and partnership working and research.

• Food imports from Japan

  Wednesday 23 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is working with port health authorities and other Government departments to ensure that food imports from Japan, mainly fish and shellfish, are screened for the presence of radioactive material.

• Natco Curried Chick Peas withdrawn

  Tuesday 22 March 2011

  Natco Foods has withdrawn two batches of curried chick peas because the product contains mustard, which is not mentioned on the label. This makes the prodcuct a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to mustard. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Welsh Food Advisory Committee members reappointed

  Friday 18 March 2011

  John Spence, Chair of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC) has welcomed the extended terms of appointment of three members to the committee.

• Agency issues reminder on jelly mini-cups ban

  Thursday 17 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has written to local authorities in the UK to remind them of the ban on a type of sweet called jelly mini-cups that could pose a choking risk to children. This follows recent seizures of the sweets by environmental health officers.

• Sokolow black pudding back on sale

  Wednesday 16 March 2011

  The manufacturer of Sokolow’s Home Black Pudding Sausage and Grill Black Pudding Sausage has been authorised to resume production. This is following the product previously being recalled because of high levels of listeria.

• Research needed on fish and shellfish safety

  Tuesday 15 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland is commissioning five pieces of research that will help gather evidence to improve the hygiene standards of fish and shellfish consumed in Scotland.

• Local authority audits published

  Tuesday 15 March 2011

  The Agency has published four audit reports from its programme examining the imported food and feed controls arrangements at local authorities.

• Morrisons recalls some of its Cocktail Prawns

  Monday 14 March 2011

  Morrisons has recalled packs of its Morrisons Cocktail Prawns with a ‘use by’ date of 16 March 2011, because the packs actually contain Morrisons Seafood Cocktail. This means the product contains fish, gluten (wheat), mollusc and soya, making the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of fish, gluten (wheat), mollusc and soya.

• Food Standards Agency publishes local authority audit

  Friday 11 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its report of a recent focused audit on the food law enforcement services of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. You can find this report at the link below.

• Morrisons recalls salt and vinegar rice cakes

  Friday 11 March 2011

  Morrisons has recalled its salt and vinegar rice cakes because they might be contaminated with milk, which is not mentioned on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Waitrose recalls custard

  Friday 11 March 2011

  Waitrose has recalled one date code of its fresh vanilla custard because it might be contaminated with pieces of green rubber. The Agency has issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice.

• Food Hygiene Rating Scheme local authority grants announced

  Thursday 10 March 2011

  The Agency has announced a further round of grant funding for local authorities in England and Northern Ireland adopting the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. The scheme helps consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels and food shops.

• Introduction of gluten into an infant’s diet

  Thursday 10 March 2011

  The Agency is reminding parents of Government advice to exclusively feed babies breast milk for around six months and not to introduce solid food until after this time. This is following an in-depth review by experts who looked at the best time to introduce gluten, a protein found in cereals such as wheat, rye and barley, into infants’ diets.

• ACAF open meeting 2 March 2011

  Tuesday 8 March 2011

  A summary of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) meeting held on 2 March 2011 in London is available.

• Movement restrictions on older cattle

  Tuesday 8 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has been working with Defra, the devolved administrations and other agencies in an ongoing investigation into allegations of the illegal trade in cattle, born and reared in the UK before August 1996.

• Draft Food Information Regulation (FIR) meeting in Wales

  Monday 7 March 2011

  Welsh stakeholders are invited to an update briefing meeting on the draft Food Information Regulation (FIR) at the Media Resources Centre (MRC), Llandrindod Wells on Wednesday 23 March 2011, 10.30am to 1pm.

• Lucozade Sport Lite Summer Berries withdrawn

  Friday 4 March 2011

  GlaxoSmithKline has withdrawn all bottles of Lucozade Sport Lite Summer Berries from retailers and distributors on a precautionary basis, because a small number of the drinks may have an unpleasant smell and taste caused by mould growth.

• An insight into attitudes to food

  Thursday 3 March 2011

  The Agency has published the first wave of an extensive new survey called Food and You, which reveals information about people’s behaviour and attitudes towards food issues such as food safety and healthy eating, and their knowledge of these issues.

• Guide to charges for official controls published

  Wednesday 2 March 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published an updated guide on charges for meat hygiene controls. The guide is for food business operators of approved meat premises in Britain, and comes into effect from Monday 28 March 2011.

• Aconbury Sprouts recalls more sprouts and salad

  Wednesday 2 March 2011

  Aconbury is recalling more of its Organic Mixed and Organic Rainbow Salad, as well as certain batches of Organic Mung Bean Sprouts, because the products are contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning.

• New ACAF members wanted

  Tuesday 1 March 2011

  Do you have some experience of working in animal nutrition, toxicology or the animal feed industry? Interested in being a member of a committee that advises the FSA on the safety and use of animal feeds? Then read on.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Tuesday 1 March 2011

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Good food hygiene highlighted in Wales

  Monday 28 February 2011

  Good food hygiene is getting easier to spot in Wales with the launch today of a bilingual advertising campaign from the Food Standards Agency. Designed to promote awareness of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, the consumer advertising campaign runs in Wales throughout March 2011.

• Scottish Food Advisory Committee to meet on 10 March 2011

  Friday 25 February 2011

  The Scottish Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Aberdeen on Thursday 10 March 2011. Discussions will include the Agency's Science and Evidence Strategy, partnership working and research, and future meat controls.

• Revised infant formula guidance

  Thursday 24 February 2011

  The Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency have issued revised guidance for parents on the safe preparation and storage of powdered infant formula milk.

• Communicating the science of food allergy

  Thursday 24 February 2011

  Communicating the science of food allergy is notoriously difficult. Have you something to say about simplifying uncertainty in science? Would you like to listen to cutting-edge thinking on how best to convey developing ideas to the public?

• Morrisons recalls Freefrom Jaffa Cake Slices

  Wednesday 23 February 2011

  Morrisons has recalled all packs of its Freefrom Jaffa Cake Slices, because the product contains milk, which is not an intended ingredient. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• How to spot food allergies in children

  Wednesday 23 February 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has welcomed new guidelines on the diagnosis and assessment of food allergy in children and young people. The guidelines have been published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.

• Research needed on meat safety

  Wednesday 23 February 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is commissioning four pieces of research that will help gather evidence to modernise official controls on meat. The work forms part of the Future Meat Controls Research Programme.

• Morrisons recalls pork pies

  Tuesday 22 February 2011

  Morrisons has recalled some of its Vale of Mowbray snack pork pies (four pack) because they may contain small pieces of blue plastic. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• New members for Board and SFAC

  Tuesday 22 February 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has today announced the appointment of James Wildgoose as a new member for Scotland on the FSA Board. Also announced is the appointment of David Cameron as the Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC).

• Update on meat hygiene official controls cost data 2011/12

  Tuesday 22 February 2011

  The FSA is today publishing additional information on the costs of delivering meat hygiene official controls in meat plants in Great Britain. This information will enable anyone with an interest in this area to see the breakdown of costs and understand how charges to industry are calculated.

• Tesco recalls four Tesco Finest meals

  Tuesday 22 February 2011

  Tesco is recalling four of its Tesco finest meals with a ‘use by’ date of 1 March 2011, because the mashed potato used to produce these products contains small pieces of metal. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Welsh Food Advisory Committee to meet on 17 March 2011

  Tuesday 22 February 2011

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 17 March 2011. Discussions will include the refreshed Strategic Plan for the FSA; the Science and Evidence Strategy for the Agency and its Compliance and Enforcement Strategy.

• Local authority audits published

  Monday 21 February 2011

  The Agency has published the first set of audit reports from its programme examining the imported food controls arrangements at local authorities.

• February’s FSA e-News is published

  Friday 18 February 2011

  The first FSA e-News of the year kicks off with the Agency’s decision to review official food safety controls and looks at how that review will be carried out.

• Morrisons withdraws Double Chocolate Cupcake Kit

  Friday 18 February 2011

  Morrisons has withdrawn all packs of its Double Chocolate Cupcake Kit, because the product contains milk that is mentioned in the ingredients list but not in the allergy information box. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Wells and Young's recalls some beers

  Friday 18 February 2011

  Wells and Young’s is recalling some bottles of beer, because they possibly contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Aconbury Sprouts recalls some sprouts and salad

  Wednesday 16 February 2011

  Aconbury Sprouts has recalled its Organic Mixed Sprouts and Organic Rainbow Salad with a ‘use by’ date of 19 February 2011, because the products are contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Imported cow aged over 30 months not tested for BSE

  Wednesday 16 February 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from an Over Thirty Month (OTM) cow imported from Switzerland that had not been tested for BSE.

• Follow food safety throughout the food chain

  Tuesday 15 February 2011

  Worried about where your food comes from and whether it’s safe to eat? Well, if you take a big ‘Bite’ of the Agency’s quarterly magazine we hope you’ll find some reassurance about how much is being done to safeguard your food from the time it enters the UK until it is on your dinner plates.

• Two cattle aged over 48 months enter food supply without being tested for BSE

  Tuesday 15 February 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from two cattle aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 48 months of age.

• Guidance to prevent E.coli contamination

  Tuesday 15 February 2011

  The FSA has today issued guidance to clarify the steps that food businesses need to take to control the risk of contamination from the food bug E.coli O157.

• New members needed for social science committee

  Monday 14 February 2011

  The Social Science Research Committee (SSRC) is seeking a new Chair, four expert members and a lay member.

• Attend the science committee's meeting

  Monday 14 February 2011

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) is issuing an open invitation to its next meeting, which will be held in London on Thursday 3 March 2011.

• Recall of Mas-River Fried Dace update

  Thursday 10 February 2011

  The Agency has received information confirming that less than half of the substance of a recalled batch of Mas-River Fried Dace is a processed fishery product. This means the product does not need to come from an approved establishment, as stated in the original Food Alert for Action. Tins with a ‘best before’ date of 30 April 2013 are still recalled because they contain high levels of histamine.

• Views wanted on cockerel combs extract

  Tuesday 8 February 2011

  A Spanish company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market cockerel combs extract as a novel food ingredient. A cockerel’s comb, which is referred to by the company as a rooster’s comb, is the large fleshy red skin on top of the cockerel’s head.

• Microbiological safety committee seeks members

  Thursday 3 February 2011

  The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) is seeking four new specialist members: a food retailer, an epidemiologist, a virologist and a food microbiologist.

• Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group minutes published

  Thursday 3 February 2011

  The Agency has published the minutes of the Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group meeting held on 13 January 2011. The meeting was attended by invited representatives of the food industry, academia, consumer groups and government departments, and provided an opportunity to exchange information about nanotechnology.

• Recall of Mas-River Fried Dace update

  Wednesday 2 February 2011

  Tins of Mas-River branded Fried Dace are being recalled by the UK importer Oriental Merchant (Europe) Ltd, because the product is from an unapproved establishment in Malaysia and high levels of histamine have been found in one batch.

• Latest consumer attitudes tracker survey published

  Wednesday 2 February 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has released the latest results of its tracker survey. The survey monitors public opinion and awareness of the Food Standards Agency and key food issues.

• FSA publishes priorities on science and evidence

  Wednesday 2 February 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its Forward Evidence Plan for 2011. The plan outlines priority science and evidence activities for the coming year, including potential areas for research funding and workshops that will help develop the Agency’s evidence base.

• Gamekeeper advice available

  Tuesday 1 February 2011

  Gamekeepers across the UK are reminded of their responsibilities for ensuring animal feed is safe for food-producing animals and for carrying out recordkeeping correctly. Food Standards Agency guidance is available, explaining the requirements of EC Regulation 183/2005 ('The Feed Hygiene Regulation').

• Aldi has recalled Gille Swedish Cookies

  Tuesday 1 February 2011

  Aldi has recalled three varieties of Gille Swedish Cookies because they contain egg, which is not mentioned the product labels. This makes these cookies a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of egg. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert. Anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of egg is advised not to eat these cookies.

• Local authority audit published

  Monday 31 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published its report of a recent focused audit on the food law enforcement services of the City and County of Swansea Council.

• The Co-operative withdraws some cheese

  Monday 31 January 2011

  The Co-operative has withdrawn Co-op British Extra Mature Cheese with a ‘best before’ date of 24 February 2011 and Co-op Welsh Extra Mature Cheese with a best before date of 14 March 2011, because the products contain high histamine levels. The Agency has issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice.

• Two cows aged over 48 months enter food supply without being tested for BSE

  Friday 28 January 2011

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from two cows aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE. A negative BSE test result is mandatory for cattle slaughtered for human consumption at over 48 months of age.

• Aytac Foods withdraws dried apricots and golden jumbo raisins

  Thursday 27 January 2011

  Aytac Foods has withdrawn packs of its Dried Apricots and Golden Jumbo Raisins with a ‘best before end’ date up to and including December 2011, because the products contain sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned the product labels. This makes the products a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.

• Sainsbury’s recalls raclette cheese slices

  Thursday 27 January 2011

  Sainsbury’s is recalling its own-brand French Raclette Slices with a ‘use by’ date of 23 January 2012, because the product has been labelled with the incorrect use by date. The correct use by date is 23 January 2011. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Agency issues advice on oysters

  Wednesday 26 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding people about the possible risks from getting the 'winter vomiting bug' norovirus from eating raw oysters.

• Views wanted on synthetic dihydrocapsiate

  Wednesday 26 January 2011

  A Japanese company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market dihydrocapsiate as a novel food ingredient. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), an independent advisory committee, has prepared a draft opinion on this ingredient. Comments are invited.

• Delivery of official food safety controls to be reviewed

  Wednesday 26 January 2011

  At its open meeting yesterday, the Food Standards Agency Board considered its responsibilities as the UK’s central competent authority for official controls on food safety, and agreed to review the delivery of official safety controls.

• Hovis withdraws its pancakes

  Wednesday 26 January 2011

  Hovis has withdrawn some of its own-brand pancakes because they contain egg, which is not mentioned in the allergy advice box on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy or intolerance to egg.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 26 January 2011

  Yesterday's FSA open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussion on the delivery of food safety official controls; progress on the review of food law enforcement activities in Wales; the EU and UK review of charging for official controls; and the sunsetting regulations (reducing regulatory burdens).

• Collaborative research on food allergy

  Monday 24 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency and the Medical Research Council (MRC) have today announced a joint call for research to help improve understanding of the biological mechanisms that cause food allergies.

• Dairy farm hygiene inspections consultation

  Monday 24 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has begun a consultation on proposals to reduce the frequency of hygiene inspections on dairy farms in England and Wales. The proposals could result in an annual saving of £1.2m for taxpayers and more than £130,000 for farmers.

• Tesco recalls Chocolate Delight No Added Sugar and Instant Custard Mix

  Friday 21 January 2011

  Tesco is recalling all of its own-brand Chocolate Delight No Added Sugar (49g) and Instant Custard Mix (74g), because some packets of the products contain small pieces of metal. As a precautionary measure, Tesco is recalling all batches of each product. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Local authority audit published

  Friday 21 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales has published its report of a recent focused audit on the food law enforcement services of Torfaen County Borough Council.

• Mas-River fried dace with salted black beans recalled

  Wednesday 19 January 2011

  Cans of Mas-River fried dace with salted black beans have been recalled because of high levels of histamine. High levels of histamine can cause scombrotoxic fish poisoning if eaten. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Views sought on jelly mini-cup regulations in Wales

  Tuesday 18 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales seeks comments on the the Food (Jelly Mini-Cups) (Emergency Control) (Wales) (Revocation) Regulations 2011.

• New draft regulations on food additives published

  Monday 17 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has published new draft regulations in England that will implement two European directives. The directives set criteria for the purity of four new food additives and one sweetener recently permitted for use in the European Union.

• Views sought on a new Statutory Instrument (SI) to make The Food Additives (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011

  Friday 14 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency Wales seeks comments on the Food Additives (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2011.

• Views sought on 'novel' status of food from descendants of cloned cattle and pigs

  Friday 14 January 2011

  The Agency has written to stakeholders to seek their views on a potential change in its interpretation of the Novel Foods Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 258/97) in respect of food from the descendants of cloned cattle and pigs. The regulation applies to any food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

• Morrisons recalls some Free From Dark Chocolate Bars

  Thursday 13 January 2011

  Morrisons has recalled its Free From Dark Chocolate Bars with a ‘best before end’ date of February 2012, because the product contains milk. Milk is not an intended ingredient and is not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk to anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Update on dioxin contamination in Germany

  Thursday 13 January 2011

  The FSA is providing further information about the ongoing investigation into the dioxin contamination of poultry and pork farms in Germany.

• First meeting of the Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group

  Wednesday 12 January 2011

  The FSA's Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group is holding its first meeting tomorrow, Thursday 13 January 2011. The group has been set up following a recommendation in the House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology 2010 report into nanotechnologies and food.

• Sainsbury's withdraws some Freefrom range Mint Crisps and Celtic Caramel Choices

  Tuesday 11 January 2011

  Sainsbury’s has withdrawn its Free From Mint Crisps with a ‘best before end' date of February 2012 and Celtic brand Caramel Choices with a ‘best before end' date of August 2011, because both products contain milk, which is not mentioned on the product labels.

• Maysum withdraws meat samosas

  Tuesday 11 January 2011

  Maysum has withdrawn one batch of its meat samosas because they contain sulphur dioxide that is not mentioned on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to sulphites. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Asphalia Natural Sleep supplements recalled

  Monday 10 January 2011

  Asphalia has recalled a batch of its Asphalia for Natural Sleep supplements because they have been found to contain lead at levels above the legal limits. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Update on dioxin contamination of pasteurised liquid eggs

  Friday 7 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency is providing further information about the distribution of pasteurised liquid whole egg to the UK from the Netherlands that may have been made with eggs contaminated with dioxins.

• Rocks Organic recalls blackcurrant squash

  Friday 7 January 2011

  Rocks Organic has recalled a batch of its blackcurrant squash because there is a risk of the bottles breaking. This is due to fermentation of the squash, which produces gases in the bottle and may cause the bottles to break. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Update on dioxin contamination of pig and poultry feed in Germany

  Thursday 6 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has received further information in relation to the ongoing investigation into the dioxin contamination of pig and poultry feed in Germany.

• Morrisons recalls some Free From Chocolate and Orange Bars

  Thursday 6 January 2011

  Morrisons has recalled its Free From Chocolate and Orange Bars with a 'best before' end date of December 2011, because the product contains milk that is not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk to anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• SFC recalls some Chicken Mini Fillets

  Thursday 6 January 2011

  SFC has recalled some of its Chicken Mini Fillets, because the product contains celery that is not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product, which is only sold by Sainsbury’s, a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to celery. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Morrisons withdraws its unsalted pistachio nuts

  Wednesday 5 January 2011

  Morrisons has withdrawn its unsalted pistachio nuts because one batch was found to contain aflatoxins at levels above the legal limits. The levels found are not considered to be harmful to health. The Agency has issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice.

• Denar recalls golden jumbo raisins and dried apricots

  Wednesday 5 January 2011

  Denar has recalled its 200g packs of golden jumbo raisins and dried apricots because these products contain sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible risk to health for anyone sensitive to sulphites. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Dioxin contamination in pig and poultry feed in Germany

  Wednesday 5 January 2011

  The Food Standards Agency has been alerted that pig and poultry feed in Germany has been found to contain dioxins above the European legal limits. Based on the available information none of the potentially contaminated animal feed, or food from the animals that may have eaten the feed, has entered the UK.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Tuesday 4 January 2011

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.