The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has commenced a 12-week consultation to obtain views from local authorities, food business operators, unios and interested groups regarding the proposed changes to the Food Law Code of Practice in England.

The proposals include changes to the food standards delivery model within the Code of Practice and associated content. These revisions include the introduction of:  

• A new food standards risk rating scheme that LA officers will use to evaluate the risk posed by a food business
• A new decision matrix to determine the frequency at which food standards official controls should be delivered in line with the outcome of the risk assessment.

The Code will impact local authorities as they will need to follow it when carrying out official food controls. To ensure that it is effective, consistent and appropriate, the Code will be subject to regular review and revision. The FSA has said that doing this will mean that the Code accurately reflects current priorities, policy and legislative requirements.

“The proposed amendments to the Code will enable local authorities to manage resources more effectively, by prioritising their activities on food businesses that pose the highest risk to public health and consumers,” commented Michael Jackson, Head of Regulatory Compliance Division, FSA.

Jackson notes that the consultation concludes on 9 January 2023 at midnight (UK time) and has urged to all those interested, to ensure they respond in the next 12 weeks.

Access to the consultation page is available on the FSA website, which also contains the Food Code Law of Practice.