Agency sets up incidents task force
Thursday 19 May 2005
The Food Standards Agency has set up an incidents task force to strengthen existing controls in the food chain.
The aims are to reduce the possibility of future contamination incidents, such as those involving Para Red and Sudan dyes, and to improve the management of such incidents if they do occur.
The task force will be chaired by the Agency's Chief Executive, Dr Jon Bell, and members will include senior representatives from the food industry, enforcement authorities and consumer organisations, as well as two independent members.
FSA Acting Chair Julie Unwin said: 'In the light of recent Sudan I and Para Red food withdrawals we need to find practical ways of reducing the number of incidents of food contamination. When they do occur, we need quick, effective and appropriate action from all those involved.
‘The task force will help us achieve the overall objectives in our strategic plan to work with industry to reduce high and medium risk incidents by 25%.’
'The task force will help us achieve the overall objectives in our strategic plan to work with industry to reduce high and medium risk incidents by 25%.'
The remit
The task force will:
- identify practical ways of reducing the likelihood of food contamination incidents occurring
- identify ways of deciding upon the proportionality of any response
- ensure that the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in risk management of food contamination incidents are clearly agreed so that action is taken quickly, effectively and proportionately if incidents do occur
- enable the Agency and other partners to learn quick lessons
- identify ways that the Agency might champion the uptake of the measures identified
The task force is due to report back to the Board on progress in the autumn and will hold its first meeting next month.
Background
The issue of food contamination of illegal dyes has recently been discussed by the European Commission. It has asked for a risk assessment of dyes such as Sudan I and Para Red to be conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A group of countries, led by the UK, will look at introducing uniform testing methodology to ensure consistent testing across Europe.
In the meantime the Agency has advised food businesses on an interim standardised approach.
Organisations
Organisations invited to participate are:
- Association of British Insurers
- British Retail Consortium
- Food and Drink Federation
- British Hospitality Association
- Trading Standards Institute
- Small Business Council
- Which?
- National Consumer Council
- Local Authorities Co-ordinators Of Regulatory Services
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
- National Farmers Union