FSA to revise Strategic Plan in light
of loss of nutrition activities to DoH

The consultation recognises progress that has been made against the current plan and sets out proposed changes, including renewing the FSA's commitment to tackle campylobacter in chicken and prioritising further activity on allergens.

The five-year plan, first published in December 2009, sets the FSA's strategic direction and priorities, and describes the outcomes it aims to deliver to safeguard public health at all stages of the food chain.

One key proposal is to have a dedicated outcome on the FSA's enforcement activities. The intention is to highlight the increased emphasis on securing effective enforcement of food law, with the aim of moving towards a more consistent 'risk-based' and proportional approach.

The consultation also sets out the amendments that will need to be made to the FSA's Science and Evidence Strategy 20102015, to take account of the proposed changes to the Strategic Plan.

The revised plan recognises that nutrition-related work will continue to be delivered by the FSA in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Last October, nutrition policy transferred to the DoH in England and the Welsh Assembly government.

FSA chief executive Tim Smith has also announced a review of how food safety regulations are enforced in the UK the so-called 'official controls' with a view to making them more efficient.

The UK-wide review will see the FSA working closely with the food industry, local authorities, and professional bodies like the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in considering alternative approaches to enforcement that will offer the best protection for consumers.