Ensuring the food we buy to eat in the shops is safe to do so is regulated. Things like food additives and flavourings for example. In the past, when we were members of the EU it was that body who authorised the standards that keep us safe.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) now have that task and they have launched a joint consultation of changes they wish to make which they say will modernise the system used across the UK.

There are two proposed changes which are being consulted upon.

1. Removing the requirement to renew authorisations: The removal of the requirement for some products already authorised as safe to go through a reauthorisation process at fixed intervals of every 10 years, regardless of whether evidence on safety changes. Around 22% of the current caseload consists of renewal applications, and this is expected to rise to over 50% by 2027. Without reform, these cases will put considerable strain on the service, focusing resource on products with many years of safe use where, in the majority of cases, we do not anticipate any change in risk. All renewal applications to date have been approved. FSS/FSA already has powers to monitor new evidence and take required action at any time. We do this through our risk analysis process, following internationally agreed standards. We closely follow the work of other trusted international regulators and use surveillance to monitor food incidents globally.
2. Removing the requirement to lay legislation to authorise regulated products: This is a change to allow authorisations, following approval by ministers, to come into effect following publication by FSS/FSA (likely to be in the form of an official register), rather than setting them out in full in legislation. This change will shorten the administrative period before new, safe products can be sold, and introduce a more proportionate level of scrutiny for these technical authorisation decisions.
   

The consultation is available on the FSA website and closes on 5 June 2024. www.food.gov.uk

Garry Mournian, FSS Director of Policy and Science said:

“FSS and the FSA want to create a modern and streamlined Regulated Products Service that will bring benefits to consumers. We are working hard to improve the current system so it works better for Scotland, England and Wales, although it’s clear that more change is needed.

“The two proposals detailed in the consultation can be delivered quickly to help streamline how the system works. The changes will improve the process to authorise regulated products, helping us to achieve a more efficient service. Food safety or standards will not be reduced in any way.”

FSS and the FSA provide advice to ministers in Scotland, England and Wales which the responses to the consultation will help to inform.