Bookmarkers beware: Bookmarks to pages other than the home page may not work after we change servers in April Editor's Choice | This Week in BMJ | Press releases BMJ No 7126 Volume 316 News Saturday 17 January 1998 UK health departments to lead on food safety The health departments will assume responsibility for food policy in Britain under the government's plans to establish a new food standards agency. A white paper this week, The Food Standards Agency: A Force for Change, paves the way for legislation in 1999. It will create an independent agency to protect consumers' interests in every aspect of food safety, as wellas nutrition. The proposed transfer of policy functions from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of Health is a key move, in response to persistent criticism that the ministry puts the interests of food producers above the public's health.   The BMA has warned that all raw meat could pose a danger Photo: CEPHAS The opposing argument is that since farmers are the first link in the food chain, safety should begin with them. But the loss of public confidence in meat after the experience of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and Escherichia colihas convinced the Labour government that a change is needed. The food standards agency fulfils a manifesto pledge. The agency will be required to make the protection of public health its top priority. It will monitor the safety and standards of all food for human consumption and will be able to change government policies and formulate new ones. It will inform the public about food safety, nutrition, and diet, and it will work with other agencies and organisations. The agency will advise ministers and the food industry, but it will be independent of government, industry, or other hidden interests. The government wants it to play a major part in building consumer confidence in food safety. The agency will also carry out research and surveillance and monitor enforcement of food safety and hygiene laws, as well as issuing licences and authorisations. It will negotiate on Britain's behalf in Europe and internationally. The white paper is open for public consultation until 16 March. The government is keen to hear the views of consumer organisations, food industries, related agencies, and scientists. Further consultation will follow a draft bill setting out the detailed legislation needed to form the food standards agency. The BMA, in its evidence to the agriculture committee's inquiry into food safety, said that all raw meat should be treated as if it is infected and could give food poisoning. It warned that most people are not treating raw meat with enough caution, and few knew if their fridge was kept cool enough to prevent the spread of bacteria. John Warden London Home | Current issue | Past issues | Classified ads | Career Focus | Feedback Collections | About this site | About the BMJ | BMA | Medline