Food

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The UK Food Standards Agency was set up in 2000 and is an independent Government department. It is charged with protecting consumer interests in relation to food safety and standards. Most importantly, the Agency is entitled to make public the advice that it gives to Government ministers. This means that the Agency can be seen to act openly and independently in looking after the interests of consumers.

The five outcomes the Agency aims to deliver are:

• Food produced or sold in the UK is safe to eat
• Imported food is safe to eat
• Consumers understand about safe food and healthy eating, and have the information they need to make informed choices
• Food products and catering meals are healthier
• Regulation is effective, risk-based and proportionate, is clear about the responsibilities of food business operators and others, and protects consumers and their interests from fraud and other risks

The Agency is led by a Board that has been appointed to act in the public interest and not to represent particular sectors. Board members have a wide range of relevant skills and experience. The UK headquarters are in London, but the Agency also has national offices in Scotland, Wales and N Ireland.

The Food Standards Agency represents the UK Government on food safety and standards issues in the European Union and is involved in the nutrition and health agenda at a European level. As well as working in close collaboration with other Government departments, the Agency has regular contact with the European Council, the Commission, Standing Committees, the European Parliament and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The FSA's role representing the UK also enables it to share knowledge and expertise with other member states and to work with them to improve food safety within the EU. The Agency has built up a good network with counterpart authorities and works with Commission to provide assistance to new member states.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): EFSA is an independent source of scientific advice on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain. In Europe, risk assessment is separate from risk management. As the risk assessor, EFSA produces scientific opinions and advice to provide a foundation for European policies and legislation and to support the European Commission, European Parliament and EU member states. EFSA works in close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders. EFSA’s remit covers food and feed safety, nutrition, animal health and welfare, plant protection and plant health.

• Food Standards Agency

The Group offers the following awards:

• AJ Banks Travel Bursaries
• Seligman Lecture
• Roland HarperLecture

We also have close links to the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture co-published by SCI and John Wiley. Readers can access the following:

• Free sample issue
• Most accessed papers
• Most cited papers

The Food Group has close links with the IFST.

• Upcoming IFST events
• IFST

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