Food Safety and Regulatory Measures

Biography

Biography: Ian Thomas

Abstract

Food is a necessity. Many consumers do not give much thought to how their food is made. Quite rightly they expect food they buy to be safe, wholesome and accurately described. In order to fulfil that expectation the production of food is heavily regulated at all stages from development to production and manufacture through to distribution and supply to consumers. Some consumers demand very specific information about their food and how it is made. This may be from an ethical perspective regarding the humane treatment of animals and the non-exploitation of food workers. Other consumers may have more personal requirements for example protecting against allergies, intolerances or other food related conditions or to fulfil lifestyle choices such as not eating meat and products of animal origin. This presentation will consider some of the key regulatory issues at EU and domestic levels which are aimed at providing all consumers with the information they require to make informed choices about their food. The presentation will follow the regulatory lifecycle from ‘farm to fork’ and will start by considering how animal welfare is protected and promoted. It will then look at traceability which is particularly important for providing accurate information to consumers and protecting the integrity of the food chain. There will then be a discussion regarding how regulation dictates what goes into our food and how it is made to ensure that it is safe and wholesome. The presentation will then look at some specific consumer-facing issues such as the provision of food information and the types of claims that can be made about food. Consideration will be given to measures designed to reduce food waste and strengthen the sustainability of the food system. Finally we will look at some issues around the enforcement of food law and how effective enforcement is essential to providing a level playing field for compliant businesses, deterring non-compliant businesses and promoting the integrity of the food chain amongst consumers.