Ensuring food safety and standards inquiry

An effective food safety regime is essential for protecting individuals and maintaining public confidence. The food supply industry involves more than 500,000 business in England, including food producers, processors, retailers and caterers and a majority of food is imported from the EU and other countries. Based on the National Audit Office’s recent report, the Public Accounts Committee will consider the effectiveness of regulation to ensure that our food is safe, the impact of the UK’s exit from the EU on the food regulation system. On Monday 28 October, the Committee will question witnesses from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs – responsible for food composition and labelling requirements; and the Food Standards Agency – responsible for food safety controls and the safety of food. The Committee will also consider how the ability of the food safety system to respond to emerging risks and future challenges.