Food chain analysis

The FSA Board agreed in February 2008 that there was considerable merit in analysing the whole food chain to understand the relative priority of different food safety hazards and to what extent existing controls are proportionate and aligned to the potential risks.

Operational researchers in the agency's Analysis and Research Division have since been looking at:

• the evidence on risks associated with food safety hazards across points of the food chain (primary production, retail, catering etc)
• their impact on public health
• identifying areas for realigning controls with risk

The Food Matters report published in July 2008 by the Cabinet Office endorsed this work and included it as a specific action point in supporting the Government in achieving its vision for the food system.

The emerging findings of this work have been fed into the development of the Agency's Strategy for 2010-2015 through frequent updates to the FSA Board and Executive Board to inform their discussions and the Strategy consultation document.

There is an ongoing requirement for food chain analysis to inform FSA strategic direction, and the material here will be reviewed and updated over time.

If you have any comments, ideas or evidence that you would like to be included in our analysis please contact us at: foodchainanalysis@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk