Have your say on proposed updates to food safety regulations
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance in Northern Ireland. These amendments aim to improve the consistency, effectiveness, and efficiency of food control activities.
Key proposals include
- a risk-based approach to prioritising food hygiene checks for new establishments
- allowing adjustments to hygiene risk ratings using various control methods, including remote inspections
- expanding tasks that qualified officers can perform, even if they lack specific food hygiene qualifications
- clarifying interventions at establishments with lower hygiene risks
- removing the set number of hours required for professional development
- other updates to align with legislative changes and improve consistency
Why this matters to food businesses
These changes are designed to make food safety inspections more flexible and efficient, benefiting businesses by reducing unnecessary burdens while maintaining high standards of public health protection. Businesses in Northern Ireland are encouraged to share their views on these proposals.
How to respond
To contribute, businesses and stakeholders should complete the consultation response form and email it to CodeReviewResponses@food.gov.uk.
The consultation is open until 19 May 2025.
For more details, including access to consultation documents and response forms, visit the FSA website.
First published 25 February 2025
