Our approach and the context we work in

Our approach

We have developed seven guiding principles that set out how we will deliver our strategy.

Our guiding principles:

1. We are the trusted voice on food standards, protecting consumer interests
2. We are science and evidence led
3. We are open and transparent
4. We work with, and through, others
5. We make it easier for businesses to meet their obligations and do the right thing for consumers
6. We are risk-based and proportionate
7. We are innovative

More about our guiding principles.

The context we work in

In the UK food sector:

• £128.3 billion = Agri-food sector contribution to national Gross Value Added in 2021 (UK)
• 4.2 million people = Employed in the agri-food sector in 2022 (Great Britain)
• £254 billion = Consumer expenditure on food, drink and catering in 2022 (UK)
• £20.2 billion = Food, feed and drink exports in 2021 (UK)

Source: National Statistics Food Statistics in your pocket [ https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/food-statistics-pocketbook ]

Of the 600,000+ registered food businesses, England, Northern Ireland and Wales:

• 4,000+ = Primary producers
• 17,000 = Manufacturers and packers
• 1,000+ = Importers/exporters
• 9,000+ = Distributors/ transporters
• 121,000+ = Retailers
• 407,000+ = Restaurants and caterers

Source: Annual local authority food law enforcement figures (2021/22 and 2019/20)