UFU attend FSA '˜Food We Can Trust' event

Pictured left to right is Barclay Bell, UFU deputy president, Dr Steve Hathaway, Director of the Science & Risk Assessment Branch of New Zealands Ministry of Primary Industries and Stephen James, NFU Cymru president

This examined how FSA will deliver its 2015-2020 ‘Food We Can Trust’ strategy.

The event brought together consumers, businesses, regulators and other key organisations, such as the UFU, from across the UK.

Barclay Bell said this was an ideal opportunity to push our case for fresh thinking on official controls and inspections.

“More recognition must be given to existing independently accredited industry schemes, which are generally at higher levels than statutory requirements. Duplication must be avoided and unnecessary additional costs stripped out,” he said.

Mr Bell added that Dr Steve Hathaway, director of the Science & Risk Assessment Branch of New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, had outlined the approach there, which already does this

“From the New Zealand approach we can learn valuable lessons,” said Mr Bell.

Also discussed was the importance of food authenticity and transparent labelling.

“This holds out the prospect of real progress on better regulation implementation and enforcement, while still maintaining the very high standards our agri-food industry delivers,” said Mr Bell, adding that the UFU would continue working with the FSA and others to help shape future regulations and enforcement.