Food Standards Agency - Intersessional Papers

Review of the Ram Genotyping Scheme

This paper brings to the Board’s attention Defra’s proposal to withdraw funding from the National Scrapie Plan (NSP) Ram Genotyping Scheme (RGS) in England.

Revocation of the residual beef bones controls

This paper discusses the revocation of the national ban on UK beef bones in manufacturing food products. The issue links to the Agency’s aim to deliver proportionate bovine spongiform encephalopathies (BSE) and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) controls based on the latest scientific knowledge.

EU regulation on official feed and food controls

This paper is to notify the Board of a public consultation on the feed and food elements (and plant health elements) of the draft national control plan for the UK. The draft plan is appended to this paper.

Conflicts of Interest: dual membership of SACs and FACs

This paper deals with the Board’s endorsement of the decision of the Succession and Development Committee to prohibit in future dual membership of Scientific Advisory Committees (SACs) and Food Advisory Committees (FACs).

FSA Board briefing session: Review of delivery of official controls in approved meat premises

Meeting held on Wednesday 18 July (14:00 – 16:00)

GM presence in organic food

This paper briefly discusses the EU decision (reported in the Times), to raise the threshold for genetically modified (GM) ingredients in 'GM free' organic food, from 0.1% to 0.9%.

Complaints

This paper provides the annual report to the Board on complaints made against the Food Standards Agency, and covers the year 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.

Intersessional decisions taken by the Board

This paper summarises the responses received to the following intersessional papers: INT 07/05/05 The Work of the Food Standards Agency Regional Unit (18 May 2007) and INT 07/05/06 Consumer Engagement: Six Monthly Progress Report (18 May 2007).

Food Safety Week 2007

This note is to inform you that the Agency will formally announce its new role as lead sponsor for Food Safety Week on 12 June, and that the food hygiene theme for this year is ‘Bugs like it hot!’

Update on the General Advisory Committee on Science

This paper updates the Board on progress to establish the new General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS), and outlines how the Board’s comments on the remit and membership of the GACS have been addressed (paragraph 5).

Consumer engagement: six monthly progress report

This paper describes the work undertaken to develop the consumer engagement strategy since the October 2007 Board Meeting. It proposes a broad outline and draft terms of reference for the new Advisory Committee on Consumer Engagement.

The work of the Food Standards Agency regional unit

This paper updates the Board on the work of the Agency’s Regional Unit and future roll out plans.

Dates and venues for 2008 Board meetings

This paper discusses the proposed dates and venues for Board meetings during 2008 are shown in the attached table.

Pesticide residue minimisation

This paper is to update Board members of progress on the Agency's pesticide residue minimisation action plan.

Introduction of a new chemical screen test to the UK statutory marine biotoxin monitoring programme

This intersessional paper updates the Board on progress towards the implementation of alternative methods to the mouse bioassay for the detection of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish within the Agency�s statutory marine biotoxin monitoring programme.

Assessing the intake of vitamins and minerals in childrens diets

This paper discusses the setting of maximum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements in advance of the European Commission bringing forward proposals.

Implementation of two EU regulations: nutrition and health claims made on food, and addition of vitamins, minerals and substances to food

This paper discusses the consultation on implementating two EU regulations: nutrition and health claims made on foods; and the addition of vitamins and minerals and certain other substances to food.

Food hygiene: primary production enforcement

This paper fulfils the commitment in intersessional paper INT 06/03/03 of 17 March 2006, to report back to the Board on the arrangements put in place to enforce food hygiene legislation, applying for the first time at the level of primary production in the UK.

EU proposals on food fortification and their effect on the issue of folate and disease prevention

This paper deals with the recently published EC Regulation (1925/2006) on fortification of food and the effect it might have on the issues of folate and disease prevention, namely the restriction of voluntary fortification, such as the fortification of spreadable fats with folate, and the trading of fortified foods.

Publication of DEFRA research report: environmental impacts of food production and consumption

This paper refers to the publication of the DEFRA research report on the environmental impacts of food production and consumption, which is also known as the 'Shopping Trolley Survey'.

FSA board workshop on food labelling

This Paper reports the proceedings of a food labelling workshop, held on 5 December, for Board members with a particular interest in the EU Food Labelling Review.

Consultation on draft regulations implementing directive 2006/52/EC amending directives 95/2/EC and 94/35/EC

This paper deals with the consultation on draft regulations implementing in England European Parliament and Council directive 2006/52/EC amending directives 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners and 94/35/EC on sweeteners for use in foodstuffs.

Consideration of the Sustainable Consumption Roundtable recommendation

This paper discusses the recommendation from the Sustainable Consumption Roundtable (SCR), addressed to the Agency. The Agency needs to give an initial reaction by 16 June and the Board will have the opportunity to discuss the issue at its meeting on 14 June as part of the sustainable development briefing.

Successful conclusion of the project to apply EU food hygiene regulations in the UK

This paper discusses the successful conclusion of the project to apply the EU food hygiene regulations in the UK. This report back is provided with the agreement of the responsible Head of Division Tom Murray.

Update on market for higher dose food supplements and use of advisory statements

This paper refers to the September 2005 Board agreement on an interim position for establishing maximum safe levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements, in the absence of EC proposals, as the basis for the Agency�s advice to Health Ministers on the input that the UK should make to the EC discussions on establishing such levels in EC legislation.

Nutrition advice for major institutions

This paper discusses the development of guidance on food provision in major institutions as agreed in the Strategic Plan 2005-2010. This paper highlights the publication of the first piece of advice.

Amendment to the survey report on market for higher dose food supplements and use of advisory statements

This paper discusses the amendment to the survey report on the market for higher dose food supplements and use of advisory statements.

UK National Control Plan

This paper is to update the Board on progress developing the UK's National Control Plan (NCP) in advance of discussion of the plan at the December 2006 Board meeting. The post-consultation draft of the NCP is appended to this paper.

Folic acid work update

The purpose of this note is to update on the progress of the draft Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report on �Folic acid and the prevention of disease�, following a delay in publication and the Agency's work on folic acid.

Draft FSA response discussing setting minimum and maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs

Draft Food Standards Agency response following the first stakeholder meeting to discuss the European Commission document on setting minimum and maximum levels for vitamins and minerals in foodstuffs.

Publication of the Agency Science Strategy 2005-2010

This paper introduces the final version of the Agency's Science Strategy 2005-2010, which will be published on 4 July 2006, in line with the Board's discussion of a draft Strategy at its 9 February open meeting.

Advisory Committee on Research annual report 2005

This paper introduces the Advisory Committee on Research (ACR) Annual Report 2005, highlighting the ACR�s work in 2005 and its provisional work programme for 2006.

Food hygiene campaign

This note is to alert Board members that the Agency will be re-screening its food hygiene TV advertisement - 'Sausages', which forms part of the Food Standards Agency's national Food Hygiene Campaign and to provide outline briefing on it.

House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee - allergy and allergic disease

This paper addresses the Select Committee's call for evidence on allergy and allergic disease. The Agency will prepare a submission of evidence relevant to policy issues that are within the Agency's remit, covering primarily food policy and labelling and our food allergy and intolerance research programme.

Sustainable development

This paper provides background information for a Board briefing on sustainable development in June 2006. The paper summarises previous Board discussions which culminated in the agreement of the position statement in October 2004. It also reports progress towards the delivery of the position statement which was published in the Agency's Strategic Plan 2005/2010.

Industry commitments to salt reduction on FSA and DH websites

Discussion on Industry commitments to salt reduction.

Outcome of consultation to review available evidence on the safety of kava kava in foods

This intersessional paper informs Board members of the outcome of the review of evidence on the safety of kava kava and the Food Standards Ageny's decision that the Kava Kava in Food (England) Regulations 2002 should remain in place.

Survey to assess the market for high dose vitamin and mineral supplements in the UK

The EC Food Supplements Directive (2002/46) makes provisions for setting maximum levels of vitamins and minerals for use in food supplements.

Update on market for higher dose food supplements and use of advisory statements

In September 2005, the Board agreed an interim position for establishing maximum safe levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements, in the absence of EC proposals, as the basis for the Agency�s advice to Health Ministers on the input that the UK should make to the EC discussions on establishing such levels in EC legislation.

FSA quarterly public attitudes tracking research

This paper summarises the results from the March wave of the Quarterly Public Attitudes Tracking research commissioned by the FSA.

Publication of the consultation paper improving the health and nutrition of Scotland's children

This paper highlights the launch of the Scottish Executive Education Department's (SEED) consultation paper, Improving the Health and Nutrition of Scotland's Children, on 3 May 2006.

Questions arising relating to food allergies

At the April 2006 Board meeting, where a progress report on food allergy initiatives was presented, two questions were asked regarding whether food allergy was included in inspections of food businesses, and whether catering awards in Northern Ireland and Scotland took account of food allergy.

Omega 3 fats: study published on the risk and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer

A study by Hooper et al. (2006)1 published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has reviewed evidence on the effect of long-chain and shorter-chain omega 3 fatty acids on total mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Chernobyl restrictions surveys 2005

The 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl incident is on 26 April 2006.

Second progress report on strategy for the control of mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in cows' milk

In May 2002, the Agency's strategy for the precautionary control of MAP in cows' milk, developed in consultation with DEFRA, the industry and other stakeholders, was presented to the Board.

Draft FSA regulatory review on nanotechnology in food: issue for comment

Nanotechnology is assuming greater importance as a policy issue across Government. It has the potential to impinge on a number of food related areas.

Horizon Scanning Programme

This inter-sessional paper summarises the FSA's Horizon Scanning Programme. It provides background information to the Board, in advance of its discussion at the February open meeting of Science Strategy and the Governance of Science.

Sustainable Development Action Plan

This paper seeks the Board's endorsement of the Agency's Sustainable Development Action Plan (see Annexe I).

European Commission Green Paper on promoting healthy diets and physical activity

This occasional paper is to inform board members that the European Commission has launched a consultation on a Green Paper, 'Promoting healthy diets and physical activity: a European dimension for the prevention of overweight, obesity and chronic diseases.'

Foodborne disease trends in other countries

This information paper summarises trends in the major foodborne disease pathogens in other countries. Data presented suggest a downward trend in the incidence of campylobacter and salmonella in the UK, most countries in Europe, the United States and Canada.

Approval of meat plants under new EU food hygiene regulations

This paper provides information on: action by the Food Standards Agency to help meat plants prepare for approval assessments under new legislation in 2006, the current standards in these plants, and the likelihood that at least a small number of these plants will close.

Sustainable Development: Draft Action Plan

The UK Government's Sustainable development Strategy commits all Government Departments and their Executive Agencies to produce and publish sustainable development action plans by December 2005.

BSE and Sheep Contingency Planning

The views of stakeholders have been sought on the approach the agency should take in the event of BSE being found in the UK flock.

Proposition for an Action Plan to pilot a 'prior approval' scheme for research purposes

This paper proposes an Action Plan to pilot a 'prior approval' scheme for research purposes.

Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) report for 2004

The report presents the results of all the radiological monitoring programmes undertaken annually in the UK by Government agencies, principally those of Agency for foods but also environmental data from the UK�s three environment agencies. This paper discusses the main findings of the report.

Food Safety Management activities in England

This paper updates Board Members on the launch of the 'Safer food, better business' (SFBB) pack and the associated major grant scheme to assist local authorities use it with small catering businesses in England, to raise food hygiene standards to the benefit of consumers.

Update on Food Standards Agency Activity on School Meals in England

This information paper on the Agency's role relating to school meals in England was requested by the Chair.

SACN Report on Vitamin A: Agency Follow-up Actions

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has finalised its advice on vitamin A. The SACN report, �Review of dietary advice on vitamin A� will be published in September by The Stationery Office. It contains recommendations for the Agency in relation to dietary advice to consumers on foods rich in vitamin A, supplements that contain vitamin A, and animal feeding practice.

Use of plant staff to assist with official controls in poultry slaughterhouses

At the March FSA Open Board meeting, during discussions on the EU Food Hygiene Regulations, a decision as to whether the UK should allow the continued use of plant inspection assistants (PIAs) in poultry slaughterhouses was referred to the MHS Board for consideration (Paper FSA 05/03/03 refers).

Launch of an EU technology platform on food: 'Food for Life'

This paper informs the Board of the planned launch on 5 July 2005 of an EU Technology Platform on food, 'Food for Life', and the Agency's initial response to this initiative.

Maximum levels for dioxins in fish

At the Board meeting on 14 July, a Board member requested more information on derogation for the Baltic region and how consumers can identify whether fish has been imprted from the Baltic. This paper responds to that request.

Local Authority Food Law Enforcement Audit Programme (England): July - December 2005

This intercessional 05/06/03 paper sets out the English local authorities (LAs) to be audited by the Agency between July and December 2005 and provides an update on recent LA audit activity.

Historical background to the different control requirements for raw drinking milk and raw cream in the different countries of the UK

At the Board meeting on 10 March some members asked for more information on the reasons behind the different approaches taken in regulating the sale of raw drinking milk and cream across the UK. This paper responds to that request.

UK presidency: UK-hosted meeting of the EU platform for action on diet, physical activity and health

The European Commission has invited the UK to host a meeting of the platform during the UK Presidency, 1 July - 31 December. The meeting will take place on 21 September 2005 in central London.

Advocate General's opinion on the food supplements directive

In October 2003, two sets of proceedings were commenced in the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, seeking annulment of the national domestic legislation implementing the provisions of the Food Supplements Directive (2002/46/EC).

Traceability in the food chain

New minimum traceability requirements ' by virtue of the General Food Law Regulation 178/2002 ' will apply for the first time to all food and feed businesses from 1 January 2005. These will not, however, require 'internal traceability', that is the linking up of all inputs to outputs.

Report on the findings to date from the Agency's audits of UK local authorities

An update to the Board on the Agency's local authority (LA) audit activity since the scheme commenced in April 2001 and on the key findings that have arisen from audit.

Launch of consumer advice and information website: www.eatwell.gov.uk

The FSA strategic plan 2005-10 commits the Agency to doing more on eating for health and consumer choice, and developing a new website solely for members of the public has been one of the Communication Division�s key business targets for 2004/5.

Handling of reporting and publication of SRM breaches

At the Board meeting on 9 September 2004 the Chief Executive reported a breach of SRM controls at a slaughterhouse in Scotland. Some Board Members were concerned that details of the breach had still not been made public some four weeks after the initial finding and suggested a more rapid reporting mechanism.

Possible finding of BSE in a French goat

An announcement was made on 27 October 2004 by the European Commission of a possible finding of BSE in a French goat.

Update on the action plan to implement the recommendations of the Waste Food task Force

The Waste Food Task Force was established in December 2001 as part of the Agency's initial seven point action plan on the diversion of unfit food into the food chain.

'Mapping exercise' to identify nutrition initiatives and their contributors across the whole of the UK

Report on progress on mapping exercise of nutrition initiatives and their contributors across the whole of the UK and proposed way forward.

Local authority food law enforcement audit programme (England): October - December 2004

This paper sets out the English local authorities to be audited by the Agency between October and December 2004 and provides an update on the programme currently underway for July to September 2004.

Progress on salt work: Information papers to the Food Standards Agency Board

These papers update the Board on work carried out since the publication of the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report on Salt and Health in May 2003.

Quality of local authority monitoring data on food law enforcement

This paper sets out the action taken to improve the quality of data submitted by local authorities for monitoring purposes.

The Cooking Bus (The Good Food Ride) - update on activities

This paper details the activities of the Cooking Bus since it was launched in November 2003.

Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals: follow-up action with industry

When the Board discussed the report of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) on 8 May 2003 it agreed that, where food supplement products are currently recommending doses higher than the Safe Upper Levels or Guideline Levels agreed by the EVM, the Agency should take forward discussions with industry on reformulation and/or advisory label statements.

Department of Health consultation exercises

'Choosing Health - Choosing a Better Diet' and 'Choosing Health - Choosing Activity'

Added water in raw chicken products

In November, the Board suggested that industry would be able to provide further evidence that consumers prefer cooked products made from chicken with added water to products made from chicken with no added water.

TB in meat

This paper updates the Board on recent developments in relation to the risks associated with TB in meat, in particular the results of FSA-funded research, and further advice from both ACMSF and EFSA.

Format of reports to the board from the advisory committees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

This paper updates guidelines on how the Advisory Committees for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should report to the Agency�s Board and Executive team.

Denby illegal meat trial: lessons learned from 'Operation Aberdeen'

Note to the Board on the outcome of a meeting with stakeholders on 26 November 2003.

Stakeholder meeting to discuss the feasibility study on post-market monitoring of GM foods

Following the approval of the first GM foods in the mid-1990s', concerns were raised by consumers on the long-term health implications of eating GM foods and the need for monitoring systems to be in place.

Report from the Advisory Committee on Research

This paper introduces a Report from the ACR detailing the work undertaken in its first two years (four meetings) and its provisional future work programme. The Report also sets out the ACR’s Code of Practice and provides biographies of its members and their interests.

UK controls on imported food

The Board agreed on 22 October 2001 a paper on ways of improving UK controls on imported food. In May and July 2003 they were informed of the Agency's work plan for improving the co-ordination and delivery of import controls as part of the work going on across central government to address issues raised in the government review of import controls.

FSA response to Home Office public consultation on access to communications data June 2003

The FSA (acting through its executive agency the Meat Hygiene Service in England, Scotland and Wales, and through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Veterinary Service in Northern Ireland) is the enforcement authority in respect of around 1700 licensed premises in the UK producing meat for sale for human consumption.

FSA response to public consultation on access to communications data May 2003

The Board will be aware that the Home Office is undertaking a public consultation on the regulation of access to communications data by public bodies. The aim of the consultation is to inform the determination of the appropriate balance between respecting privacy and protecting the public from crime.

Radioactivity in wild salmon

This information paper follows discussions at the July 2003 Board meeting. The paper gives the available information on levels of radioactivity in wild salmon.

OTM rule: Agency advice

At the meeting 10 July 2003, the Board agreed a number of recommendations following discussion of the OTM Rule Review Core Stakeholder Group report and the outcome of consultation (Paper 03/07/02).

EC harmonisation of reporting limits for nitrofurans

This information paper follows discussions at the June 2003 Board meeting. The paper sets out the background to the harmonisation of reporting limits across the EU for illegal veterinary medicines such as nitrofurans and chloramphenicol in certain foods.

Intersessional Papers

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