The survey assessed how LAs plan and prioritise their food standards work, the resources and capacity they have and how they measure the success of their programmes. The review can be found here.
Key findings from the survey
- Levels of food standards resource in England are generally lower than in Wales and Northern Ireland, with 22% of English LAs having less than 1 Full-Time Equivalent (‘FTE’) person dedicated to food standards work.
- 15% of food businesses are unrated for food standards risk, however the figures for some LAs are higher
- LAs had difficulty in recruiting qualified officers and 57% of LAs were not in a position to support a student through the qualification process
Alternative approaches to food standards delivery are being adopted effectively by many LAs. FSA intend to explore and build on areas of good practice as part of their reform programme.
Review to be discussed at the next FSA Board meeting
The review of food standards has been published as part of the FSA Board papers.
The next Board meeting will be held at Church House in London on Wednesday 5 December 2018 at 8.30am. You can attend in person or watch it live online.
A full agenda and published papers can be viewed in the board meeting section of the FSA website.
For details on how to register to attend the Board meeting, please see the Board section of the FSA website.
