The FSA and Defra

To start

Discuss your ideas as to ‘who is responsible’ for the safe production of the food we eat?

Objectives

To know that eh FSA and Defra are regulatory authorities responsible for the safe production of the food we eat, and that they also consider the ethical implications of food production

To understand the role of the regulatory authorities in the safe production of food.

FSA

The food standards agency (FSA) is an independent food safety authority set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public’s health and consumer interests in relation to food. The FSA is responsible for the entire UK food industry from farming, food production and distribution to retail and catering.

Defra

The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) has a responsibility for ensuring that the farming industry is thriving and that they produce a sustainable, healthy and secure food supply.

FSA:• Annual budget = £159.7 million• Started after report of outbreaks of deaths from

foodborne illnesses

Defra:• Annual budget = £2.2 billion• Formed after a different association failed to deal

with outbreak of foot and mouth disease

Task

Option A:Write an article to a newspaper with concerns of foot and mouth in your area. Think about who might be responsible and what they might do to solve the issue.

Option B:You believe that a batch of Cadburys chocolate has been contaminated. Write a letter of complaint to the FSA with your concerns and what they should have done to prevent this.