FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

The ICC works closely with the The Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.

What are the FSA's aims?
Between 2001 and 2006, the Agency's key aims are to:

• Reduce foodborne illness by 20% by improving food safety right through the food chain
• Help people to eat more healthily
• Ppromote honest and informative labelling to help consumers
• Promote best practice within the food industry
• Improve the enforcement of food law
• Earn people's trust by what we do and how we do it

How will it do that?
By working hard to ensure that we are the UK's most reliable source of advice and information about food. The FSA's guiding principles are:

• Putting the consumer first
• Being open and accessible
• Being an independent voice

How is the FSA independent?
Although the FSA is a Government agency, it works at 'arm's length' from Government because it doesn't report to a specific minister and is free to publish any advice it issues.

How is the FSA structured?
The Agency is led by a Board that has been appointed to act in the public interest and not to represent particular sectors. Board members have a wide range of relevant skills and experience. Our UK headquarters are in London, but the Agency also has national offices in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Meat Hygiene Service is an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency.

Who is the FSA accountable to?
We're accountable to Parliament through Health Ministers, and to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for its activities within their areas.