Food Safety and Hygiene
The Food Standards Agency is charged with protecting public health and consumers interests at all stages of the food production and supply chain in the UK
In order to fulfil this statutory objective, the FSA is stringent in its enforcement of the UK’s food safety and hygiene regime, with Local Authorities quick to investigate and even prosecute on the FSA’s behalf where they consider a corporate or individual to be in breach. And the government agency’s remit does not end there with the establishment of the FSA’s law enforcement function, the National Food Crime Unit, and their focus on food fraud and food crime.
Between them, the FSA and Local Authorities have substantial powers which include the right to inspect premises unannounced, seize any records, take samples, issue enforcement notices and ultimately bring criminal charges.
For food business operators in the UK, any intervention by the authorities will impact on the practical running of their business as a bare minimum and it can also lead to serious long-term financial and reputational damage and a criminal record.
Reasonable precautions and effective due diligence should lessen the risk of a food business finding itself under scrutiny but when it is not enough then Kingsley Napley’s expertise in this area will help to ensure the best possible outcome.
