Calls for data
Why we seek data and how your data will be used.
The Food Standards Agency is responsible for ensuring that the food we eat is safe. To assess this, we need data to inform risk assessments as part of the overall risk analysis process. The risk analysis process is summarised as a flow chart with a register of risk assessment issues on our website.
Collecting this data ensures that decisions are based on the most appropriate information and are evidence-based.
The data we seek is predominantly on the levels of contaminants found in foods. It will help us to understand the situation on the ground with respect to the chemical contamination of food.
Who we seek data from
We welcome data, such as occurrence data (on the levels of contaminants in foods), from food business operators (FBOs), experts in the field, trade organisations, international organisations and those undertaking research in a topic related to the call for evidence.
How we seek information
We publish calls for evidence on our website and social media channels. We encourage stakeholders to share the details via email or social media.
Information handling
The Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland jointly issue calls for data.
Data provided to us will be used to assess and review food safety issues. The data will be used solely for this purpose and will not in any circumstance be used for enforcement of any kind. Data collected will be published as aggregated data and not attributed to an individual, business, trade body or organisation.
The retention period for scientific data will be 20 years.
FSA will be the data controller and responsible for compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. The data will not include personal information and so GDPR will not apply, however we may be compelled to share data by a freedom of information request.