News Centre

Most recent news stories

• Update on Fullers bottled beer recall

  Wednesday 29 December 2010

  Fullers has recalled some more 330ml bottles of its London Pride beers, because the product might contain pieces of glass. The Agency has issued an updated Product Recall Information Notice.

• McCain recall update

  Thursday 23 December 2010

  McCain has recalled all of its Sweet Potato with Rosemary and Garlic, because the product might contain small pieces of grit that became pushed into the sweet potato when it was harvested. You should not eat the product. The pieces of grit are not considered to be harmful.

• Fullers recalls bottles of beer

  Thursday 23 December 2010

  Fullers has recalled some 330ml bottles of its Golden Pride, Organic Honey Dew and London Pride beers, because the products might contain pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Bumper Christmas issue of FSA e-News is online

  Wednesday 22 December 2010

  The final FSA e-News edition of the year is a bumper issue containing all you need to know on the Agency’s Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme, which was launched at the end of last month.

• McCain recalls Sweet Potato with Rosemary and Garlic

  Wednesday 22 December 2010

  McCain has recalled some of its Sweet Potato with Rosemary and Garlic, because the product might contain small pieces of grit that became pushed into the sweet potato when it was harvested. You should not eat the product. The pieces of grit are not considered to be harmful.

• ACAF open meeting 15 December 2010

  Tuesday 21 December 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) held its 52nd meeting on 15 December 2010 in London.

• Exemption on allergen labelling of wine treatment agents extended

  Tuesday 21 December 2010

  There are currently temporary exemptions from allergen labelling requirements for both egg albumin and milk (casein) used as fining agents for wine, and lysozyme (produced from egg) used in wine, until 31 December 2010. The European Commission have recently agreed a regulation that will extend these temporary exemptions for a further 18 months until 30 June 2012.

• Consultation on BPA

  Monday 20 December 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is today launching a consultation, to get views on draft national regulations that will implement the European Directive banning infant feeding bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA) for infants up to twelve months old.

• New target to tackle UK's most common food bug

  Monday 20 December 2010

  The Food Standards Agency, the UK poultry industry, and major retailers have agreed a new target that will measure efforts to reduce the levels of the food bug campylobacter in chickens.

• Asda withdraws some cheesecake

  Monday 13 December 2010

  Asda has withdrawn its own-brand Strawberry Swirled Cheesecake with a ‘use by’ date of 17 December 2010, because the product contains egg, which is not mentioned on the product label. This means the cheesecake is a potential health risk for anyone with an allergy to egg.

• Open meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 20 January 2011

  Friday 10 December 2010

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 20 January 2011. Agenda items to be discussed will include the strengthening of food law enforcement and charging principles for areas other than meat enforcement.

• Morrisons recalls The Best 8 Sweet Pastry Tartlets

  Thursday 9 December 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its own-brand The Best 8 Sweet Pastry Tartlets, because the product contains egg. Egg is listed in the ingredients list but egg is not mentioned in the allergy advice box on the product label. This means the product is a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to egg.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 8 December 2010

  Yesterday's FSA open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and a podcast. The agenda included discussion on food from cloned animals and their offspring (consideration of the European Commission report and European Food Safety Authority update), reducing the risk from E.coli O157 (controlling cross-contamination), and the Scottish National Food and Drink Policy: Recipe for Success.

• Meat and milk from cloned animals

  Tuesday 7 December 2010

  The FSA Board met today and discussed animal cloning for food production, including recent developments on this issue, following the Board’s initial discussion in September.

• FSA seeks views on revised Strategic Plan

  Monday 6 December 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is consulting on its revised Strategic Plan for 2010-2015. The five-year plan, first published in December 2009, sets the Agency’s strategic direction and priorities, and describes the outcomes the Agency aims to deliver to safeguard public health at all stages of the food chain.

• Agency announces review of official controls delivery

  Friday 3 December 2010

  The Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency Tim Smith has today announced a review of how food safety regulations are enforced in the UK.

• Report links undercooked liver to campylobacter food poisoning

  Friday 3 December 2010

  The Health Protection Agency has today published a report of outbreaks of campylobacter food poisoning linked to chicken liver products. The Food Standards Agency is therefore reminding caterers to make sure chicken liver is cooked thoroughly.

• Stella Artois beer recalled

  Friday 3 December 2010

  InBev has recalled some batches of Stella Artois beer (250ml bottles) because they might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Northern Ireland food surveillance sampling report published

  Wednesday 1 December 2010

  The Northern Ireland Strategic Committee on Food Surveillance has published its third report on food sampling activity in Northern Ireland.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Wednesday 1 December 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme launched

  Tuesday 30 November 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is today launching a national food hygiene rating scheme that will help you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving you information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets, and other places you eat out and buy food.

• New additives approved for use

  Friday 26 November 2010

  New European rules on food additives allow a number of recently approved additives to be used in certain foods. The rules also permit new uses for existing additives. The European Commission Directive (2010/69/EU) on Food Additives other than Colours and Sweeteners came into force on 11 November 2010.

• Cloned meat is safe – hypothetically speaking

  Thursday 25 November 2010

  At the open meeting of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) today, the committee considered a hypothetical application under the Novel Foods Regulations for the approval of meat and milk from cloned cattle and their progeny.

• Survey of mycotoxins in cereal-based foods

  Thursday 25 November 2010

  The Agency has published the results of a survey investigating the levels of certain naturally-occurring chemicals called mycotoxins in a range of cereals and-cereal based foods. This is the first year's results from a four-year rolling surveillance programme.

• Agency welcomes recommendations arising from Mason Jones inquest

  Thursday 25 November 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has welcomed recommendations made by the coroner at the inquest into the tragic death of Mason Jones, the five-year-old boy who died in the E.coli outbreak in south Wales in 2005. The coroner has recommended stronger enforcement of food hygiene laws.

• FSA e-News – taking our wares 'to market’

  Monday 22 November 2010

  There’s a bit of ‘street cred’ in this month's issue of FSA e-News, with a report on the Agency’s 'Street Market Chefs' TV programme that is helping to get food safety messages across to new audiences of home cooks.

• Island Sun Semolina recalled

  Monday 22 November 2010

  Surya Foods has recalled Island Sun Semolina because of a rodent problem at the factory. The Agency has issued a Product Information Recall Notice advising consumers not to eat the product.

• Novel Foods Committee to meet on 25 November

  Friday 19 November 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is to hold an open workshop during the afternoon session of its 25 November meeting, being held in London.

• The Co-op recalls batches of flavoured water

  Friday 19 November 2010

  The Co-operative Group has recalled some batches of its own-brand Lemon and Lime Flavour Still Spring Water Drink (6 x 500ml) because of an unpleasant smell and the possible risk of mould growing. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• The Soupery minestrone soup withdrawn

  Thursday 18 November 2010

  The Soupery has withdrawn a batch of its minestrone soup because it contains wheat that is not mentioned on the label. This makes the soup a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of wheat or gluten. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Meat from three cows aged over 48 months not tested for BSE

  Wednesday 17 November 2010

  The Agency has been notified that meat from three cattle over 48 months of age has entered the food chain without being tested for BSE.

• We're not fazed by food safety risks

  Wednesday 17 November 2010

  A new European Food Survey shows that people in the UK take a more measured approach to possible food safety risks than their European neighbours.

• Warburtons recalls packs of 6 Crumpets

  Wednesday 17 November 2010

  Warburtons has recalled some packs of its own-brand 6 Crumpets with a ‘best before’ date of 22 November 2010 and 23 November 2010, because the product might contain small pieces of aluminium. The Agency has issued a Product Information Recall Notice advising consumers not to eat the product.

• International conference to focus on food hygiene

  Tuesday 16 November 2010

  The future of food hygiene will come under the spotlight on Friday 3 December 2010 at a conference to be hosted jointly in London by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

• FSA Board meeting 7 December 2010

  Tuesday 16 November 2010

  The next FSA open Board meeting is being held at the Agency's headquarters: Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London WC2B 6NH. It will begin at 1pm on Tuesday 7 December 2010 and will be chaired by Agency Chair Jeff Rooker. You can attend in person or watch it live online.

• Independent assessment of Agency-funded review of organic food

  Tuesday 16 November 2010

  An independent assessment by the General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) has concluded that the Agency-commissioned 2009 review of the nutrient content of organic and non-organic foods followed good practice at all stages.

• Budweiser beer recalled

  Monday 15 November 2010

  InBev has recalled a batch of Budweiser beer (300ml bottles) because it might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Vitabiotics withdraws six food supplements

  Friday 12 November 2010

  Vitabiotics has withdrawn six food supplements, in a range of pack sizes, because the products contain higher levels of folic acid than mentioned on the product labels. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Product Withdrawal Information Notice.

• granoVita recalls more Nut Luncheon

  Thursday 11 November 2010

  granoVita UK Ltd is recalling more of its Nut Luncheon, because of spoilage and possible microbiological contamination. Products with ‘best before’ dates of 28 June 2013, 20 July 2013 and 13 September 2013 are being recalled. The Agency has issued an updated Product Recall Information Notice.

• Agency seeks views on charging for official controls in meat plants

  Wednesday 10 November 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has begun a consultation on proposals to charge the UK meat industry the full cost of official controls on meat. The consultation includes a commitment by the FSA to further reduce the cost of these ‘meat official controls’ in Great Britain from £55.5m to £50m over the next four years.

• Some Nakd Cashew Cookie bars withdrawn

  Tuesday 9 November 2010

  Natural Balance Foods has withdrawn its Nakd Cashew Cookie bar with a ‘best before’ date of 2 March 2011, because the product contains trace amounts of peanuts that are not mentioned on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone with a peanut allergy. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Sainsbury's recalls some Cous Cous

  Monday 8 November 2010

  Sainsbury’s has recalled its own-brand Cous Cous (500g) with a ‘best before’ date of July 2012, because the product contains small pieces of metal. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Research call: review of listeria management practices

  Monday 8 November 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has issued a research call to review practices designed to control Listeria monocytogenes during smoked fish production.

• Anthos sultanas recalled

  Friday 5 November 2010

  Marathon Food has recalled Anthos sultanas because they contain sulphur dioxide that is not mentioned on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.

• Sokolow sausage products recall update

  Thursday 4 November 2010

  All Sokolów brand Home Black Pudding Sausage and Grill Black Pudding Sausage are being recalled as a precautionary measure, because more batches of the products have been found to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Agency has issued an updated Food Alert for Action.

• granoVita recalls some Nut Luncheon

  Wednesday 3 November 2010

  granoVita UK Ltd is recalling its Nut Luncheon with a ‘best before’ date of 28 June 2013, because of spoilage and possible microbiological contamination. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Local authority audit published

  Wednesday 3 November 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit report for Liverpool is now available online.

• EFSA seeks experts to review its science

  Tuesday 2 November 2010

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has launched a call for scientific experts to take part in a working group to review the quality of EFSA’s science. EFSA is the European Union’s scientific risk assessment body on food and feed safety, nutrition, animal welfare and plant protection and health.

• Carlsberg recalls some Tuborg bottled lager

  Monday 1 November 2010

  Carlsberg UK is recalling some of its 275ml bottles of Tuborg lager that are sold in bottle packs, because the product might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Monday 1 November 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Sokolow's sausage products recalled

  Thursday 28 October 2010

  Some batches of Sokolów's Home Black Pudding Sausage and Grill Black Pudding Sausage have been recalled from sale because they are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Action asking local authorities to make sure that these products are withdrawn from sale and recalled from consumers. Listeria is a food poisoning bug that can cause serious illness.

• Update on recall of Sokolow sausage products

  Tuesday 26 October 2010

  All batches of Sokolów Home Black Pudding Sausage have been recalled because the product is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product is also sold under the name Grill Black Pudding Sausage. Listeria is a food poisoning bug that can cause serious illness.

• Latest issue of FSA e-News available online

  Monday 25 October 2010

  Agency news, details of training and reports, and summaries of Agency-funded research can all be found in the latest issue of FSA e-News, which is now available online.

• Local authority audits published

  Monday 25 October 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit reports for Brentwood, Bournemouth, East Dorset, London Borough of Hackney and South Tyneside are now available online.

• Climate change study published

  Thursday 21 October 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published a report looking at possible implications of climate change on food policy in the UK.

• Marks & Spencer withdraws some Gluten Free Rich Fruit Cake

  Thursday 21 October 2010

  Marks & Spencer has withdrawn a small number of its own-brand Gluten Free Rich Fruit Cake, because the product contains wheat flour. The product label incorrectly mentions that the product is ‘made without wheat’ and is ‘gluten free’.

• Some Sokolow sausage products recalled

  Wednesday 20 October 2010

  Some Sokolów Home Black Pudding Sausage with a ‘use by’ date of 30 October 2010 has been recalled, because the product is contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The product is also sold under the name Grill Black Pudding Sausage. Listeria is a food bug that causes food poisoning.

• Food Law Guide published

  Tuesday 19 October 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is today publishing a quick-check guide to food law, which will be updated every three months.

• Lord Young supports Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

  Friday 15 October 2010

  Today Lord Young has published the report of his review of Health and Safety – Common Sense Common Safety. The report makes a number of recommendations relevant to the Agency's responsibilities, particularly our Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

• Views sought on reducing colours in food and drink

  Thursday 14 October 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is asking food businesses for comments on new EU proposals to reduce levels of three colours in food and drinks. The colours are quinoline yellow, sunset yellow and ponceau 4R

• Food Standards Agency celebrates win at 2010 IVCA Clarions

  Thursday 14 October 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales has won a prestigious IVCA Clarion Award, for the Agency's innovative food safety and healthy eating pantomime 'Aliddon' and interactive workshops. The pantomime and workshops are performed and carried out at primary schools across Wales.

• Hedgerow harvest

  Thursday 14 October 2010

  It is autumn, and many of our hedgerows are prime sites for the traditional pursuits of gathering wild berries and hunting for mushrooms. This harvest can contribute to our daily diet, but care needs to be taken to make sure it is safe to eat.

• Board meeting available online

  Tuesday 12 October 2010

  The Agency's October open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussion of CCTV in slaughterhouses, Macrory Sanctions, the Government’s 'one-in, one-out' regulation initiative, and revised Standing Orders and Code of Conduct for Board meetings.

• Invitation to novel foods open event

  Tuesday 12 October 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is holding an open event on novel foods in London on Thursday 25 November 2010. Anyone can attend, including members of the public.

• Radioactivity report published

  Monday 11 October 2010

  The level of radioactivity to which people are exposed to from food remained below the European Union (EU) legal limit during 2009, says a report published today by the Agency.

• Open meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 4 November 2010

  Friday 8 October 2010

  The Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC) of the Food Standards Agency is holding an open meeting at Bangor University on Thursday 4 November 2010. The theme of the meeting is 'Future Challenges to Food Safety'. The topics that will be discussed include climate change, population growth, changing dietary behaviour and availability of land and energy.

• Update on fruit glazed with wax containing morpholine

  Friday 8 October 2010

  The Agency held a meeting on Wednesday 6 October with representatives of the food industry, to further investigate the use of the non-permitted additive morpholine on fresh produce on sale in the UK.

• Ada's smoked catfish withdrawn

  Thursday 7 October 2010

  Ada's Smoked Catfish is being withdrawn from sale because it has been labelled with an identification mark of a food manufacturer that is no longer authorised for use. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Action asking local authorities to make sure this product is withdrawn from sale and destroyed.

• Open meeting of the General Advisory Committee on Science

  Wednesday 6 October 2010

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) is issuing an open invitation to its next meeting, which will be held in London on Tuesday 19 October 2010.

• ACAF open meeting 22 September 2010

  Tuesday 5 October 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) held its meeting on 22 September 2010 in London. It provided an opportunity for interested parties and members of the public to observe how this government advisory committee operates, and to follow the debate on a range of animal feed issues.

• Chief scientist annual report published

  Monday 4 October 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the fourth annual Chief Scientist report, covering the Agency's scientific work from April 2009 to March 2010.

• Advice issued on apples glazed with morpholine

  Friday 1 October 2010

  Following information received via a sampling programme, the Food Standards Agency is informing local authorities that the non-permitted additive morpholine has been found on some apples imported to the UK from Chile.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Friday 1 October 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• First NIFAC meeting with new Chair Dr Henrietta Campbell

  Friday 1 October 2010

  Dr Campbell will chair her first Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC) meeting at 11.00am on Monday 4 October at the Agency’s office in Belfast.

• EFSA publishes opinion on bisphenol A

  Thursday 30 September 2010

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has today published an opinion on bisphenol A (BPA). EFSA’s expert panel of scientists concluded that they could not identify any new evidence that would lead them to revise the current tolerable daily intake for BPA.

• Transfer of nutrition policy to health departments

  Thursday 30 September 2010

  Responsibility for nutrition policy will transfer tomorrow (1 October) from the Food Standards Agency to the Department of Health in England and to the Welsh Assembly Government in Wales.

• Process contaminants survey published

  Wednesday 29 September 2010

  The Agency has published the results of a study looking at the levels of certain chemicals that are produced as a result of food processing and home cooking, in a range of UK food products.

• Agency advice on cooking bean sprouts

  Wednesday 29 September 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today updated its advice to people on the handling and cooking of raw bean sprouts following more cases of food poisoning linked to an outbreak of salmonella.

• Spring Hill Pure Spring Water recalled

  Monday 27 September 2010

  Spring Hill Pure Spring Water with a ‘best before’ date of 15 August 2011 is being recalled in Northern Ireland, because the product is contaminated with E.coli and may be a risk to health. E.coli is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Caterers are committed to providing healthier food

  Monday 27 September 2010

  The Agency has been working in partnership with more than 45 major UK caterers to provide healthier choices for their customers when eating out.

• Scottish Food Sampling Report for 2009 published

  Monday 27 September 2010

  In September 2010, the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee's (SFELC) Research Working Group published an annual report providing an overview of food sampling data collected during 2009 by Scottish Local Authorities (LAs), and placed on the Food Standards Agency’s central database, the UK Food Surveillance System (UK FSS).

• Veterinary Residues Committee annual report published

  Friday 24 September 2010

  The Veterinary Residues Committee (VRC) 2009 Annual Report on the surveillance of veterinary residues in food in the UK is now available online. The report details the checks that have been carried out on a range of residues of veterinary medicines in food.

• Agency helping UK growers keep fresh produce clean and safe

  Friday 24 September 2010

  A new guide to help UK growers keep their produce free from microbial contamination has been published by the Agency and the Horticultural Development Company (HDC).

• Warning against consumption of Miracle Mineral Solution

  Friday 24 September 2010

  The FSA is urgently warning people not to consume Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS). This product is being sold as an oral supplement and is also known as Miracle Mineral Supplement. If you have any of this product you should throw it away. If you have consumed MMS and feel unwell you should consult your doctor.

• FSA e-News September issue now published

  Tuesday 21 September 2010

  The Food Standards Agency’s monthly newsletter, FSA e-News, has been published and is available online.

• Proposed changes to Official Feed and Food Controls Regulations

  Monday 20 September 2010

  The Agency has launched a consultation on proposed changes to the Official Feed and Food Controls Regulations.

• Agency advice on cooking bean sprouts

  Friday 17 September 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today reminded people of the importance of good hygiene practice when handling and cooking raw bean sprouts.

• Morrisons recalls its Mini Coconut Bites

  Friday 17 September 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its own-label Mini Coconut Bites because they might be contaminated with small pieces of thin metal.

• Consumers reminded to follow good hygiene practice when handling and preparing duck eggs

  Friday 17 September 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has today reminded consumers and caterers of the importance of good hygiene practice when cooking with and consuming duck eggs.

• GM dialogue statement

  Friday 17 September 2010

  Ministers have confirmed to the Food Standards Agency that the GM (genetic modification) dialogue project will not continue in its current format.

• New appointments to the microbiological safety committee

  Thursday 16 September 2010

  Agency Chair Lord Jeff Rooker has announced two new appointments to the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF).

• FSA Board meeting available online

  Thursday 16 September 2010

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions on the post-Pennington Food Hygiene Delivery Programme, animal cloning and the implications for food and consumer safety, Government’s one-in one-out initiative, Macrory sanctions, and the annual report from the Director of FSA Scotland.

• Aldi recalls all of its Stonemill Ground Coriander

  Wednesday 15 September 2010

  Aldi has recalled all of its own brand Stonemill Ground Coriander because it might be contaminated with salmonella, which causes food poisoning. The Food Standards Agency has issued an updated Product Recall Information Notice.

• Changes to the Food Standards Agency in Wales

  Wednesday 15 September 2010

  The Welsh Assembly Government has informed the Food Standards Agency that responsibility for nutrition policy in Wales will transfer to the Assembly.

• Aldi recalls some Stonemill Ground Coriander

  Tuesday 14 September 2010

  Aldi has recalled some of its own-brand Stonemill Ground Coriander with a ‘best before’ date of 14 October 2012, because the product is contaminated with salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that causes food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Cow aged over 48 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Tuesday 14 September 2010

  The Agency has been notified that meat has entered the food supply from a cow aged over 48 months that had not been tested for BSE.

• Wanted: a new Board member for Scotland and a Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee

  Monday 13 September 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is advertising for a Board Member for Scotland and for a Chair of the Scottish Food Advisory Committee (SFAC). The posts will become vacant when Graeme Millar, who is the current Chair and one of two FSA Board members for Scotland, steps down next February.

• Morrisons recalls its Chilli Rice Crackers

  Friday 10 September 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its Chilli Rice Crackers because the product contains peanut and sesame, which isn’t mentioned on the product label. The allergen advice box say that it ‘may contain traces of nut, peanuts and seame’ but does not declare them as an ingredient.This makes the product a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to peanuts or sesame. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Ella’s Kitchen withdraws some baby food

  Thursday 9 September 2010

  Ella’s Kitchen has withdrawn certain batches and date codes of its baby food because of possible microbial spoilage inside the straw of the packets. The microorganisms that have been identified are harmless.

• Imported food and feed sampling activity published

  Thursday 9 September 2010

  The Agency has published the results of sampling and surveillance, during 2009/10 of food and feed imported into the UK. The Agency provides support for local authorities and port health authorities to carry out this sampling.

• Imported heifer aged over 30 months not tested for BSE

  Tuesday 7 September 2010

  The Agency has been notified that meat from an over thirty month (OTM) heifer imported from Switzerland has entered the food supply without being tested for BSE.

• Local authority audit published

  Tuesday 7 September 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit report for Rotherham is now available online.

• Bite gets its teeth into some meaty topics

  Monday 6 September 2010

  The third issue of Bite, the quarterly magazine produced by the Agency to tackle challenging food safety-related topics, is available online and should provide mouth-watering reading for anyone with an interest in meat safety.

• Veterinary Residues Committee open meeting

  Monday 6 September 2010

  The Veterinary Residues Committee is holding an open meeting at 10.30am on Wednesday 13 October at the National Railway Museum in York.

• Agency commissioning evaluation of assurance schemes

  Friday 3 September 2010

  The Agency is commissioning an evaluation and comparison of third party assurance schemes that focus on food and feed hygiene and standards.

• Sainsbury's recalls some Freefrom brand cake

  Thursday 2 September 2010

  Sainsbury’s is recalling its Freefrom brand Rich Fruit Cake Slices with a ‘best before’ date of 4 November 2010, because the product contains low levels of wheat gluten, which isn’t mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk to anyone with a gluten intolerance or an allergy to or intolerance of wheat. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Government food labelling changes

  Wednesday 1 September 2010

  From today, there are changes being made to which Government departments have responsibility for food labelling policy.

• Views wanted on dihydrocapsiate

  Wednesday 1 September 2010

  A Japanese company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market dihydrocapsiate as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

• Views wanted on taxifolin

  Wednesday 1 September 2010

  A Russian company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market taxifolin as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Wednesday 1 September 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Local authority audits published

  Tuesday 31 August 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit report for Ashfield is now available online.

• Agency helping UK growers keep fresh produce clean and safe

  Friday 27 August 2010

  A new guide to help UK growers keep their produce free from microbial contamination has been published by the Agency and the Horticultural Development Company.

• More Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top NV Champagne recalled

  Tuesday 24 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has issued an updated Allergy Alert, because further bottles of Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top NV Champagne do not mention on their label that the product contains sulphites. This means the product is a possible health risk to anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.

• Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top NV Champagne recalled

  Friday 20 August 2010

  Percy Fox & Co. has recalled one batch of Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top NV Champagne because it contains sulphites that are not declared on the label, making it a possible health risk to anyone who is sensitive to sulphites. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Food Hygiene Rating Scheme update

  Thursday 19 August 2010

  The Agency has today written to all local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to tell them about local launches of the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), its branding and other developments.

• Call for research

  Thursday 19 August 2010

  The Agency has issued three separate research calls to inform its work supporting consumer protection on: additives, E. coli O157 and consumer attitudes.

• The Vending Revolution withdraws some Snack-a-Can brand sweets

  Monday 16 August 2010

  The Vending Revolution has withdrawn some Fizzy Jelly Mix and Fizzy Cola Bottles sweets, because the metal bottom of the can that contains the sweets has been inserted the wrong way. This means the sweets might react with the metal base and cause the metal to corrode and the sweets to change colour. Snack-a-Can brand products are sold by vending machines.

• Agency advice on scombrotoxic fish poisoning

  Friday 13 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding caterers and consumers of the importance of refrigerating fish properly, following a number of incidents involving scombrotoxic fish poisoning during the summer.

• Daily Telegraph publishes correction

  Thursday 12 August 2010

  The Daily Telegraph has published a correction to statements it made when reporting on Agency actions in relation to cloned cattle.

• Summary of investigation on cloned animals

  Wednesday 11 August 2010

  The Agency last week traced animals born in the UK from eight embryos produced by a cloned cow in the US. Four of these embryos were male calves and four were female. All were Holstein animals, a breed mainly used for dairy production.

• Consumers advised not to eat hijiki seaweed

  Thursday 5 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding people of its advice not to eat a type of seaweed called hijiki because it contains high levels of inorganic arsenic. Inorganic arsenic is known to increase people’s risk of getting cancer.

• Update on cloned animals and their offspring

  Wednesday 4 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is updating on its investigation into reports that products from the offspring of cloned animals have entered the food chain.

• Local authority audits published

  Wednesday 4 August 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit reports for Epping Forest, London Borough of Camden, Runnymede and West Lindsey are now available online.

• Researchers needed for social science research framework

  Wednesday 4 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is looking for organisations and individuals to apply to be part of a framework that will carry out social science research to support the development, monitoring and evaluation of food policy.

• Investigation on cloned animals and their offspring

  Tuesday 3 August 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has been investigating reports that products from the offspring of cloned animals have entered the UK food chain.

• FSA statement on cloned animals and their offspring

  Monday 2 August 2010

  There have been recent reports in the media that milk from the offspring of cloned bovines is on sale in the UK. Since 2007, the Food Standards Agency’s interpretation of the law has been that meat and products from clones and their offspring are considered novel foods and would therefore need to be authorised before being placed on the market.

• National Diet and Nutrition Survey: corrections to year 1 results

  Monday 2 August 2010

  The Agency has published a revised version of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey's year 1 report.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Friday 30 July 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Warning about drinking 'Zam Zam' water

  Friday 30 July 2010

  As Muslims observe Ramadan, the FSA advises that people should consider avoiding drinking bottled water described or labelled as Zam Zam water. This is because tests have shown ‘Zam Zam’ water sold in the UK, or brought into the UK for personal consumption, contains high levels of arsenic or nitrates.

• New Board member for Northern Ireland appointed

  Friday 30 July 2010

  Dr Henrietta Campbell has been appointed as the new Board member for Northern Ireland and as the Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC).

• EFSA searching for scientific experts

  Thursday 29 July 2010

  EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has invited highly qualified scientists in a wide range of scientific fields and with expertise in carrying out scientific risk assessments, to apply to join two of its Scientific Panels.

• Views sought on Commission's 'TSE Roadmap 2'

  Thursday 29 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency, Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government are jointly inviting people to share their views on the European Commission's 'TSE Roadmap 2' and the accompanying Commission staff working document. Although the roadmap contains no specific proposals or timetable for change, it identifies areas where changes could be made to TSE measures in the future.

• Caterers warned on chicken livers

  Wednesday 28 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding caterers to make sure chicken livers are handled hygienically and cooked thoroughly when used in products such as pâté or parfait. This follows a number of outbreaks of campylobacter food poisoning linked with chicken liver products where the livers may have been undercooked.

• Key steps in the fight against campylobacter

  Tuesday 27 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the proceedings of an international meeting it hosted to identify and prioritise key interventions to reduce campylobacter in chicken in the UK.

• Asda withdraws its milk chocolate

  Monday 26 July 2010

  Asda has withdrawn its own-brand milk chocolate because chocolate containing nuts has been wrongly packed into milk chocolate packaging. The label does not state that the chocolate contains nuts, which means the product is a possible health risk to anyone with a nut allergy. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Local authority audits published

  Friday 23 July 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit reports for Rugby and Tamworth are now available online.

• Compulsory warnings on colours in food and drink

  Thursday 22 July 2010

  An EU-wide health warning must now be put on any food or drink that still contains the colours that are thought to cause hyperactivity in some children. This is following the Southampton Study, commissioned by the Agency, which suggested a possible link between consumption of six food colours and hyperactivity in children.

• FSA publishes latest consumer attitudes tracker survey

  Thursday 22 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has released the latest results of its quarterly tracker survey, which monitors public opinion and awareness of the Food Standards Agency and key food issues.

• Contractors needed to carry out foodborne disease research

  Wednesday 21 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is asking researchers to submit proposals for two separate research projects on foodborne disease. All work commissioned by the Agency will be on a contract basis.

• New strategy to tackle food poisoning bug

  Wednesday 21 July 2010

  A new research strategy to tackle the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK has been launched today.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 21 July 2010

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions on 'Establishments operating pending the outcome of appeal against refusal or withdrawal of approval', and the 'FSA implementation of recommendations of the public inquiry into the September 2005 outbreak of E.coli O157 in South Wales'.

• National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme local authority grants available

  Wednesday 21 July 2010

  The Agency has announced a second round of grant funding for local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland intending to be 'early adopters' of the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (also known as 'Scores on the doors').

• Changes to the Food Standards Agency

  Tuesday 20 July 2010

  The Government has today announced its intention to retain the Food Standards Agency (FSA) with a renewed focus on food safety.

• Asda withdraws some crisps

  Tuesday 20 July 2010

  Asda has withdrawn some of its own-brand Salt and Vinegar, Variety and Boxed Crisps, because the salt and vinegar flavouring used in the crisps contains trace amounts of wheat gluten. This means the products, which are available in various multi-packs, are a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• General Advisory Committee on Science Annual Report 2009/10

  Monday 19 July 2010

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) has today published its annual report, which describes the committee’s work over the past year. GACS provide independent advice to the Food Standards Agency on how it uses science.

• FSA e-News is now available at the click of a mouse

  Friday 16 July 2010

  The Agency’s monthly newsletter, FSA e-News, has been published and is available online. The July issue contains a roundup of some of the Agency’s most recent activities on food safety and hygiene.

• Annual reports and accounts 2009-2010

  Friday 16 July 2010

  The Annual Report and Accounts 2009-2010 for the Food Standards Agency has now been published.

• Take a hint - attend a tips session

  Friday 16 July 2010

  The Procurement team and Social Science Research Unit are hosting ‘hints and tips’ sessions for potential suppliers. The first will be held in London on 26 July and the second in Edinburgh on 27 July 2010.

• Food Standards Agency in Wales publishes summary audit report

  Thursday 15 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales has published a summary report of a focused audit programme that was undertaken between September 2009 to March 2010.

• Walkers recalls some crisps

  Wednesday 14 July 2010

  Walkers has recalled some packets of its Ready Salted Crisps and Salt and Vinegar Crisps sold in multipacks, because the packets might contain crisps with other seasonings. This means the products are a possible health risk to people with an allergy to milk, soya or barley, or an intolerance to lactose or gluten.

• Agency consults on E.coli prevention

  Wednesday 14 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today started a UK-wide consultation on the best way to help businesses protect against E. Coli O157 contamination.

• Molson Coors recalls home draught beer dispensing units

  Tuesday 13 July 2010

  Molson Coors has recalled Carling, Grolsch and Coors Light home draught beer dispensing units because there is a small chance of the beer bottle in the unit breaking when the CO2 cartridge is activated.

• Bakers' salt in bread calculator launched

  Thursday 8 July 2010

  Craft bakers can use a new online calculator to reduce the amount of salt in their bread which could help to improve their customers' health. A quick guide to reducing salt in bread is also available.

• Northern Ireland food surveillance sampling report published

  Wednesday 7 July 2010

  The Northern Ireland Strategic Committee on Food Surveillance has published its second report on sampling activity in Northern Ireland. The results of sampling in 2008 show there have been few detections of food borne pathogens. However, there was a significant outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in that year. There were no other significant foodborne outbreaks reported during 2008.

• FSA commissions campylobacter research

  Tuesday 6 July 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is commissioning a range of research to tackle the food poisoning bug campylobacter.

• Local authority audits published

  Tuesday 6 July 2010

  The Agency's local authority audit reports for Maidstone, South Norfolk, Taunton Deane and Waveney are now available online.

• Update on US GM rice

  Tuesday 6 July 2010

  The FSA has written to enforcement authorities, and others, to tell them that the emergency measures controlling the import of rice products from the US, which have been in place since 2006, have been revoked by the European Commission.

• Morrisons recalls strawberry cheesecakes

  Friday 2 July 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its fresh strawberry cheesecakes because they might contain small pieces of plastic. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Reviewing regulations

  Friday 2 July 2010

  If you have any thoughts on how regulations could be removed or changed to make running your food business easier, the Government has launched the Your Freedom website to gather your views.

• World salt talks continue in London

  Thursday 1 July 2010

  Following yesterday’s successful salt reduction forum, hosted by the Food Standards Agency and the World Health Organization (WHO), further meetings will take place today and tomorrow between experts, academics, Government officials and WHO staff from around the world.

• New members for animal feed committee

  Thursday 1 July 2010

  Professor Stephen Forsythe has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF). Dr Dozie Azubike, Professor Nigel Halford and Mr Richard Scales have been re-appointment as members of the Committee.

• World talks on salt reduction in food

  Wednesday 30 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency and the World Health Organization (WHO) will today welcome experts from 33 countries around the world to discuss salt reduction strategies.

• Two cattle enter food supply breaching BSE testing regulations

  Wednesday 30 June 2010

  The Agency has been notified that meat from two cattle, which should have been tested for BSE due to their age, have entered the food supply. This is a breach of current BSE controls.

• Agency seeks contractors to carry out research

  Wednesday 30 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has announced the areas of research that it is looking to commission on a contract basis. The research will be used to develop and support the Agency’s policies.

• FSA e-News published online

  Tuesday 29 June 2010

  The June issue of FSA e-News, the Agency’s monthly newsletter, has been published and is available online. This food safety special highlights the work the Agency is doing to tackle foodborne disease through its strategy to reduce campylobacter and with guidance to help farmers keep fresh produce safe.

• Views wanted on magnolia bark extract

  Friday 25 June 2010

  A US company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market magnolia bark extract as a novel food ingredient. The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), an independent advisory committee, has prepared a draft opinion on this ingredient. Comments are invited.

• New Scottish consumer guide to country of origin labels

  Friday 25 June 2010

  As part of their National Food and Drink Policy, the Scottish Government asked the Food Standards Agency in Scotland to produce guidance on country of origin labelling for consumers in Scotland.

• EH Booth withdraws Chateau Ducla French AC Bordeaux Superior

  Thursday 24 June 2010

  EH Booth has withdrawn two batches of Chateau Ducla French AC Bordeaux Superior because they contain sulphites that are not declared on the label.

• Last Chernobyl sheep monitoring restrictions lifted in Scotland

  Thursday 24 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has released the last Scottish sheep farm affected by the 1986 Chernobyl accident from monitoring requirements imposed under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

• Terms of appointment extended for Welsh Food Advisory Committee members

  Thursday 24 June 2010

  The Director of the Food Standards Agency in Wales, Steve Wearne, has welcomed the extended terms of appointment of two members of the independent Welsh Food Advisory Committee (WFAC).

• Treatment of bees with oxytetracycline update

  Tuesday 22 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has issued sampling and analysis advice to bee farmers who opted for the European foulbrood treatment regime in 2009, having considered responses to our UK-wide consultation on oxytetracycline (OTC) in honey and following ongoing liaison with Scottish Government, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and other relevant organisations.

• Open meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 22 July 2010

  Monday 21 June 2010

  If you have an interest in food and food production in Wales, you are invited to attend the Welsh Food Advisory Committee open meeting at the Royal Welsh Showground on Thursday 22 July 2010.

• Asda withdraws two of its Indian Meals for 2

  Thursday 17 June 2010

  Asda has withdrawn its 'Indian Tikka Masala and Jalfrezi Meal for 2' and its 'Indian Chicken Korma and Jalfrezi Meal for 2', because they have been packed with the wrong labels.

• Hovis Hearty Oats loaves recalled

  Wednesday 16 June 2010

  Hovis has recalled its Hovis Hearty Oats Loaf from customers because the bread might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Good to Go brand All Day Breakfast Sandwich recalled

  Wednesday 16 June 2010

  The Sandwich Factory has recalled its Good to Go brand All Day Breakfast Sandwich with a 'use by' date of 17 June 2010, because the sandwich contains celery and mustard that is not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic or intolerant to celery or mustard. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Scores on the Doors Steering Group agenda published

  Tuesday 15 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the agenda and papers for the next meeting of the UK-wide Scores on the Doors Steering Group, which will take place on Thursday 17 June.

• Morrisons recalls some chicken chow mein

  Friday 11 June 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its Chicken Chow Mein with a 'use by' date of 12 June 2010, because there is a problem with the packaging. This means that the packets contain Morrisons Chicken Fried Rice, which contains egg and milk, which are not mentioned on the product label.

• Food fraud teamwork comes to rescue of World Cup fans

  Friday 11 June 2010

  Financial support and advice from the Food Standards Agency has enabled Salford Trading Standards to seize 436 bottles of counterfeit and illicit alcohol in advance of the World Cup.

• ACAF open meeting 3 June 2010

  Thursday 10 June 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) held its meeting on 3 June 2010 in York. It gave an opportunity for interested parties and members of the public to observe how this government advisory committee operates, and to follow the debate on a range of animal feed issues.

• Food Champions 2010 announced

  Thursday 10 June 2010

  Norfolk County Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme Council, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, are the winners of this year's Food Champion awards.

• Does your business use Brown FK in kippers?

  Wednesday 9 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is keen to hear from any company (large or small) that uses the food colouring known as Brown FK. The colouring is only permitted to be used in kippers. The large trade associations in the UK are not aware of the colouring currently being used.

• Strategy for tackling 'biggest UK food safety challenge'

  Wednesday 9 June 2010

  Working with the UK food industry to tackle campylobacter has been identified by the Food Standards Agency as its key food safety priority for the next five years in proposals published today.

• Tree of Life dried apricots contain sulphur dioxide

  Tuesday 8 June 2010

  Tree of Life Dried Apricots contain the allergen sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned on the product label. This makes this product a possible risk to anyone who is sensitive to sulphites. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• The Co-operative recalls some wine

  Tuesday 8 June 2010

  The Co-operative has recalled some 75cl bottles of wine from customers because the products might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Product Recall Information Notice.

• Research on national hygiene rating scheme published

  Monday 7 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has published the results of independent consumer research about how to ensure the national food hygiene rating scheme (known as 'Scores on the Doors') is easy to understand and use.

• Give food bugs the red card this summer

  Monday 7 June 2010

  Food Safety Week starts today, and with many people likely to have barbecues or be eating outdoors for World Cup matches, the Food Standards Agency is reminding everyone that food bugs can cause more misery than a penalty shoot-out.

• Make healthy eating your World Cup goal

  Friday 4 June 2010

  As the build-up to the World Cup gets into full swing, the Food Standards Agency is offering tips on how to combine watching hours of football with making choices about healthier eating.

• Meat plant owner has sentence appeal rejected

  Thursday 3 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has welcomed a decision by the Court of Appeal to uphold a prison term imposed on Yakub Moosa Yusuf, who ran a company called Direct Halal Meat and Poultry, Dewsbury.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Thursday 3 June 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children. Another manufacturer producing product lines free of the colours has been added to the list: Candyking Ltd's Candyking products.

• Seminar on European research

  Thursday 3 June 2010

  Individuals with an interest in food research are invited to find out more about funding opportunities and ongoing European research projects at a free seminar to be held at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London on 16 July.

• Local authority audits published

  Thursday 3 June 2010

  The Agency has published reports of local authority audits carried out in a number of areas of the audit programme.

• Parents reminded: 'Honey is not suitable for babies'

  Wednesday 2 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is reminding parents not to feed honey to babies who are under a year old. This follows a case of the rare but serious illness, infant botulism.

• Changes to FSA food alert system

  Wednesday 2 June 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is changing the way it issues information to consumers about food product withdrawals and recalls. The new system takes effect from June 2010.

• Lundys Fine Foods' sausages relabelled in Northern Ireland

  Friday 28 May 2010

  Lundys Fine Foods is relabeling its sausages in Northern Ireland because they contain sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned on the label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone with a milk allergy or intolerance.

• ACAF open meeting 3 June 2010

  Thursday 27 May 2010

  The Committee’s 50th meeting will take place in York on 3 June 2010.

• Reducing burdens in the meat industry and farming

  Thursday 27 May 2010

  The Agency has produced two new pieces of guidance that will reduce the administrative burdens of the meat industry and farmers, helping them to comply with the law while maintaining consumer protection.

• The Co-operative recalls jars of pasta sauce

  Wednesday 26 May 2010

  The Co-operative is recalling four types of its Truly Irresistible pasta sauces, because the products might contain small pieces of glass. All jars of the four sauces are being recalled from customers. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• FSA e-News published and available online

  Tuesday 25 May 2010

  The latest FSA e-News, the Agency’s monthly newsletter, has been published and is available online. The May edition – delayed because of the General Election – contains stories with a UK and international significance, as well as highlights of activities carried out by FSA Northern Ireland and FSA Scotland.

• Incidents report published

  Monday 24 May 2010

  The Agency today publishes its 'Annual report of incidents 2009', which provides details of more than 1,200 investigations into food incidents and outlines proposals for the future.

• Nestlé recalls some Nescafé Collections coffee

  Thursday 20 May 2010

  Nestlé is recalling its Nescafé Collections coffee (100g jars only), because these products might contain small pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Update on investigation into increase in salmonella

  Thursday 20 May 2010

  The Agency has issued a further update on the investigation into last year's increase in England and Wales in the number of cases of a certain type of salmonella. An outbreak in mid-August 2009 of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type (PT) 14b was possibly linked to an egg production premises in Spain.

• Agency asks European Commission to legalise ‘smokies’

  Thursday 20 May 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has written to the European Commission seeking a change in European Union (EU) law to permit production of smoked skin-on sheep meat for human consumption.

• Bite gets its teeth into nanotechnology

  Wednesday 19 May 2010

  The second issue of Bite, the quarterly magazine launched by the Agency to tackle challenging food-related topics, has been published and is available online. The theme of the issue is nanotechnology.

• Views wanted on chia seed

  Wednesday 19 May 2010

  The FSA's expert advisory committee on novel foods is consulting on its draft opinion on a company’s application to market chia seed in the UK. The seed is from a type of mint plant. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997.

• Wales food resource catalogue published

  Wednesday 19 May 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Wales has published a useful bilingual catalogue for anyone working with, or with an interest in food, whether it is promoting a healthy balanced diet, establishing a food business, or ensuring food is properly cooked and safe to eat.

• Three Food Standards Agency Board members reappointed

  Monday 17 May 2010

  Three of the Agency’s Board members have been reappointed for a further three years.

• Asda withdraws some chicken chow mein meals

  Thursday 13 May 2010

  Asda has withdrawn some packs of its Chicken Chow Mein (300g) and Meal for One Chicken Chow Mein (400g) because the products contain traces of shellfish, which is not mentioned on the product labels. The products are a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to or intolerance of shellfish.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 12 May 2010

  Yesterday's Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions on progress with our strategy to reduce foodborne disease in the UK, the development of the Agency's Board, and the final report on the Meat Hygiene Service.

• Asda withdraws Garlic and Herb Coleslaw

  Thursday 29 April 2010

  Asda Prawn Coleslaw with a 'best before' date of 5 May 2010 has mistakenly been packed using a Garlic and Herb Coleslaw lid (300g). The presence of shellfish is not indicated on the Garlic and Herb Coleslaw lid, therefore the product is a potential health risk for people with an allergy to shellfish.

• Clarification on possible visa scam

  Wednesday 28 April 2010

  In January 2010 the Agency was informed by Norfolk County Council of its concerns relating to a request received by a Norfolk-based food-packing company for letters of invitation to inspectors from the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC).

• Tesco recalls some flaked pudding rice

  Friday 23 April 2010

  Tesco has recalled some packs of its own-brand Flaked Pudding Rice because the product might contain wheat, which is not mentioned on the product label. This means this product is a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of wheat or gluten. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Lepicol probiotic with incorrect allergen information

  Friday 16 April 2010

  Lepicol probiotic (180g) is labelled as dairy free, but contains small amounts of milk protein. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone with a milk allergy or intolerance.

• Batches of Ella's Kitchen Totally Cool Caribbean Chicken with Mangoes recalled

  Wednesday 14 April 2010

  Ella's Kitchen is recalling some batches of its toddler food, Totally Cool Caribbean Chicken with Mangoes, because they might contain hardened vegetable pieces that could cause choking. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Revised EC measures on guar gum

  Tuesday 13 April 2010

  The European Commission has revised its import control measures for guar gum imported from India.

• Setting standards in food analysis conference

  Friday 9 April 2010

  A scientific conference on food analysis is being held jointly by the Agency and the Laboratory of the Government Chemist at the end of this month.

• Dorset Cereals withdraws some muesli

  Wednesday 7 April 2010

  Dorset Cereals has withdrawn packets of its Simply Fruity Muesli with a 'best before' date of January 2011 and batch codes of MJ0075 and MJ0088, because the product contains Brazil nuts and hazelnuts that are not mentioned on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone with a nut allergy.

• New fish labelling rules

  Tuesday 6 April 2010

  New rules for fish labelling come into force today for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Fish Labelling Regulations 2010 replace the previous Regulations, add new commercial designations (the names of fish) for species of fish that have recently come onto the market and give extra options for some others that were already listed.

• Welsh Food Advisory Committee meeting postponed

  Tuesday 6 April 2010

  Following the announcement of the general election, the WFAC open meeting planned for this Thursday 8 April is being postponed.

• Appointment of Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee Members

  Tuesday 6 April 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland wants to appoint two new members to Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC) in 2010.

• Social science tender opportunity

  Thursday 1 April 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is inviting tenders for establishing a framework agreement with providers of Omnibus Surveys.

• New Operations Group for the Agency

  Wednesday 31 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) announced in July 2009 its intention to form a new Operations Group in 2010. This will take effect from 1 April 2010 when the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) and FSA merge.

• Batches of Wester Lawrenceton Farm cheeses recalled

  Tuesday 30 March 2010

  Wester Lawrenceton Farm Ltd has recalled various batches of Carolla and Caerphilly cheese due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is a bacterium that causes food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Some Murphy’s Draught Irish Stout withdrawn

  Tuesday 30 March 2010

  Heineken UK has withdrawn cans of Murphy's Draught Irish Stout with a 'best before' date of 31 December 2010 and a batch code of L9348, because the product has been incorrectly packaged in Murphy’s Draught Style Stout Pasteurized Beer cans. The mislabelled cans do not mention that the product contains barley gluten.

• Agency hosts international conference on campylobacter

  Monday 29 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is this week hosting an international conference to identify new ways of reducing the levels of the food bug campylobacter in UK chicken.

• Reducing saturated fat and sugar in sweet foods

  Friday 26 March 2010

  Following a public consultation in the summer of 2009, the Food Standards Agency has today recommended that food manufacturers reduce saturated fat in foods such as biscuits, cakes, buns, chocolates and added sugar in soft drinks.

• Advice for farmers on food and feed hygiene requirements published

  Friday 26 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Scotland has produced advice for the farming industry, highlighting the primary production food and feed hygiene requirements of EC Food Hygiene Regulation (852/2004) and EC Feed Hygiene Regulation (183/2005). The advice is in 'question and answer' format.

• Response to nanotechnology report published

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Government has today published its response to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee report into nanotechnologies and food. The Food Standards Agency welcomes the committee's report and its recommendations, many of which are already being taken forward.

• Agency welcomes shelf-life guidance for chilled foods

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Agency has welcomed the publication of new guidance to help food businesses determine the shelf life of ready-to-eat foods by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the Chilled Food Association (CFA), working in collaboration with the Food Standards Agency.

• Date marking consultation launched

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is seeking views on new date-marking guidance it has drawn up to assist industry when deciding appropriate date marks to use on food products.

• Microbiological safety committee seeks two specialist members

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) is seeking two new specialist members: a commercial caterer and a food research microbiologist.

• Treatment of bees with oxytetracycline consultation launched

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has launched a consultation on proposed honey testing following treatment of bees with oxytetracycline (OTC) last autumn to control an outbreak of European Foulbrood (EFB).

• Agency publishes salt commitments

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Agency has today published commitments from a range of retailers and manufacturers highlighting the progress being made on salt reduction.

• Microbiological safety committee seeks two specialist members

  Thursday 25 March 2010

  The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) is seeking two new specialist members: a commercial caterer and a food research microbiologist.

• Imported cow aged over 30 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Wednesday 24 March 2010

  The Agency has been notified that an imported cow aged over 30 months has entered the food supply without being tested for BSE.

• Agency launches Planet Cook teachers' resource

  Wednesday 24 March 2010

  An innovative, interactive web-based education resource for primary school teachers is being launched by Platinum Films today, in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.

• Open meeting of Welsh Food Advisory Committee: 8 April 2010

  Wednesday 24 March 2010

  If you have an interest in diet in Wales or the general work of the Food Standards Agency in Wales, you are invited to attend the Welsh Food Advisory Committee open meeting in Cardiff on Thursday 8 April 2010.

• Views wanted on honeybee venom

  Wednesday 24 March 2010

  A New Zealand company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market the venom from the honeybee as a novel food ingredient.

• Antimicrobial resistance report published

  Wednesday 24 March 2010

  A report on antimicrobial resistance in the UK has been published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

• Agency welcomes Consumer Focus Wales E.coli report

  Tuesday 23 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency today welcomes the publication of the Consumer Focus Wales report: 'Protecting consumers from E.coli O157'.

• Agency welcomes healthy pub progress

  Friday 19 March 2010

  The Agency today welcomes progress made by companies representing more than five thousand UK pubs to help their customers make healthier choices.

• Contractor needed to review food safety behaviours

  Friday 19 March 2010

  The FSA is looking for applicants to carry out an evidence review on food safety behaviours in the home. The project will explore what is already known about food storage and handling behaviours in the home in relation to food safety, identify gaps in the existing literature and develop recommendations for further analysis and primary research.

• March 2010 Scores on the Doors update

  Thursday 18 March 2010

  The Agency's UK-wide Scores on the Doors Steering Group met today to continue its work on development of the national six-tier scheme.

• Salt and sodium research published

  Thursday 18 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published details of qualitative research exploring people's preferences and understanding of the way in which salt and sodium information is presented on food labels.

• Review of Agency's nutrition research

  Thursday 18 March 2010

  A strategic review of the Agency's nutrition research and surveys portfolio has now been completed, following consultation with external stakeholders.

• FSA 'steps up' its schools work with eatwell mat

  Thursday 18 March 2010

  School children all over Scotland will soon have a fun way of working out in the classroom what makes up a balanced diet, following the launch of the Food Standards Agency eatwell plate floor mats.

• FSA e-News – available on a screen near you

  Wednesday 17 March 2010

  The second issue of FSA e-News, the Food Standards Agency’s electronic monthly magazine, is now available online, providing a round-up of the latest Agency news. You can register to have the newsletter sent direct to your computer every month, wherever you are.

• Report of specified risk material and other BSE control breaches for February 2010

  Tuesday 16 March 2010

  The following report from the Food Standards Agency provides an update on specified risk material (SRM) finds and related issues. These reports are posted on the Agency’s website usually during the second week of the month following any discovery of a breach in controls.

• The future for meat hygiene controls

  Tuesday 16 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has started a programme of work to review the current system of regulation of meat hygiene inspection activities and enforcement (known as 'meat official controls').

• Scores on the Doors Steering Group agenda published

  Monday 15 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published the agenda and papers for the sixth meeting of the UK-wide Scores on the Doors Steering Group, which will take place on Thursday 18 March. The two main items for discussion are an update on the progress of the Working Group on Consistency Issues and the development of the IT platform.

• Some Butterkist Sweet Microwave Popcorn recalled

  Friday 12 March 2010

  Tangerine Confectionary has recalled some batches of Butterkist Sweet Microwave Popcorn due to the potential presence of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) within the product. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Review of infant formula and follow-on formula advertising controls

  Thursday 11 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health have today published an independent review looking at the effectiveness of controls on the advertising of follow-on formula. Such formula is only intended for babies over the age of six months.

• Sainsbury's withdraws some mandarin jelly

  Wednesday 10 March 2010

  Sainsbury's has withdrawn pots of Mandarin Jelly because of a packaging error. Pots a with a 'use by' date of 14 March 2010 actually contain Mandarin Royale (a dessert with layers of sponge, jelly and topped with cream), which contains milk, egg and wheat gluten.

• Board agrees single front-of-pack label plan

  Wednesday 10 March 2010

  The Agency's Board, at an open meeting held in Cardiff today, agreed to the implementation of a single approach to front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling that will best help consumers make healthier choices when they buy food.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 10 March 2010

  Today's open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions on front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling, the House of Lords Select Committee report on nanotechnologies and food, UK local authority food law enforcement, and the FSA Wales director’s report.

• ACAF open meeting 3 March 2010

  Monday 8 March 2010

  A summary of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) meeting held on 3 March 2010 is available. The meeting gave an opportunity for interested parties and members of the public to observe how this government advisory committee operates, and to follow the debate on a range of animal feed issues.

• Scores on the Doors Working Group agenda published

  Monday 8 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has published the agenda and papers for the meeting of the Scores on the Doors Working Group on Consistency Issues on Thursday 11 March.

• Invitation to novel foods open event

  Monday 8 March 2010

  The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) is holding an open event on novel foods in London on Wednesday 21 April 2010. Anyone can attend, including members of the public.

• Tesco withdraws four varieties of sandwiches

  Friday 5 March 2010

  Tesco has withdrawn four varieties of its sandwiches with 'use by' dates of 5 March 2010 and 6 March 2010, because the lettuce used in the sandwiches might be contaminated with slug pellets.

• Local authority enforcement monitoring data published

  Friday 5 March 2010

  The Agency has today published a paper on the enforcement of food law by UK local authorities in 2008/09. The paper, which includes enforcement activity data that has been collected using a new monitoring system, will be discussed by the FSA Board at its open meeting next week.

• Agency publishes proposals for better labels

  Friday 5 March 2010

  The Agency has today published a paper, which will be discussed at an open Board meeting next week, setting out proposals for front-of-pack (FOP) nutrition labelling. The Agency is proposing a flexible approach to implementing a single front-of-pack label to help consumers make healthier choices when they buy food.

• British attitudes to new food technologies

  Thursday 4 March 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has published new research looking at people’s attitudes to emerging food technologies, including genetically modified (GM) food, high pressure treatment, gas filled packaging and hypothetical foods that have health benefits.

• Waitrose recalls some natural roasted peanuts

  Wednesday 3 March 2010

  Waitrose has recalled packets of its own brand Natural Roasted Peanuts with a 'best before' date of 3 July 2010, because they may contain small pieces of rubber. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Morrisons recalls some toffee and pecan ice cream

  Wednesday 3 March 2010

  Morrisons has recalled tubs of its own-brand Toffee and Pecan ice cream with a 'best before' date of April 2011, because the product may contain pieces of black rubber. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Monday 1 March 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children.

• Mithaighar sweetened yoghurt recalled

  Friday 26 February 2010

  Euroversal International/Mithaighar has recalled all of its Mithaighar Sweetened Yoghurt, because it was produced on premises that were served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order and a Remedial Action Notice by the local authority for that area because of poor food hygiene.

• Pro-Pak Foods recalls some sliced chicken roll

  Friday 26 February 2010

  Pro-Pak Foods has recalled some of its two sliced chicken roll products, because they are contaminated with listeria. The products are Country Store Chicken Roll and Netto Chicken Roll. Listeria is a bacterium that causes food poisoning. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Some Loyd Grossman Tomato and Chilli Pasta Sauce is recalled

  Friday 26 February 2010

  Premier Foods is recalling some jars of Loyd Grossman Tomato and Chilli Pasta Sauce (350g), because the product might contain pieces of glass. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Asda withdraws some Fresh Tastes Gammon Steaks with Pineapple

  Friday 26 February 2010

  Asda has withdrawn some packs of its Fresh Tastes Gammon Steaks with Pineapple because of a packaging error. Packs with a 'best before' date of 1 March 2010 actually contain Fresh Tastes Gammon Steaks with Cheese, which contains wheat gluten and milk. This makes the mislabelled packs a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic or sensitive to wheat or gluten or milk.

• EFSA opinion on health claims published

  Thursday 25 February 2010

  The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its second batch of opinions on a wide variety of health claims submitted by food businesses from across the UK and other EU member states.

• Advisory committee on science to meet

  Thursday 25 February 2010

  The General Advisory Committee on Science (GACS) is issuing an open invitation to its fifth meeting, which will be held in London on 4 March 2010.

• FSA reminds parents of advice on making up infant formula

  Thursday 25 February 2010

  The Agency is reminding parents and childcarers who use powdered infant formula to use hot water to make up a feed. Formula powder isn’t sterile, so occasionally it could contain harmful bacteria, which could make babies ill. Using water that is 70°C, or higher, will kill any harmful bacteria in the powder.

• Agency's conference available to view online

  Thursday 25 February 2010

  The Agency's conference, 'FSA10: Ensuring safe food and healthy eating for all', is now available as video-on-demand and as a podcast. You can also read all of the comments that consumers and stakeholders submitted online to the conference during the live webcast.

• Update on Northern Ireland 'Smoke House' alert

  Wednesday 24 February 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has issued an updated Food Alert for Action for Northern Ireland on smoked mackerel products produced on premises in Northern Ireland not registered with or approved by the district council in that area. The food alert is for information outside Northern Ireland.

• Science and evidence strategy published

  Wednesday 24 February 2010

  The Agency has published its new Science and Evidence Strategy 2010–15 and Evidence Plan 2010. These set out how science and evidence will be used to improve food safety and the balance of people's diets.

• Revised UK National Control Plan published

  Wednesday 24 February 2010

  The Food Standards Agency and the four Agriculture and Rural Affairs Departments in the UK have recently reviewed the UK's National Control Plan for the period January 2007 to March 2011, and a revised version has been published.

• Fishery products produced on unapproved Northern Ireland premises

  Tuesday 23 February 2010

  Smoked mackerel products have been produced on premises in Northern Ireland not registered with or approved by the district council in that area. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Action asking district councils to make sure that two smoked mackerel products are withdrawn from sale and destroyed. The products are an unwrapped cold smoked mackerel and a wrapped hot smoked mackerel.

• Cow aged over 48 months enters food supply without being tested for BSE

  Tuesday 23 February 2010

  The Agency has been notified that meat from a cow aged over 48 months has entered the food supply without being tested for BSE.

• Glasgow achieves 100th Eat Safe Award

  Tuesday 23 February 2010

  The Agency’s Eat Safe Award has reached a significant milestone in Scotland, with the presentation of Glasgow’s 100th award.

• Get the 'buzz' of the latest news from the FSA

  Monday 22 February 2010

  Anyone interested in nutrition and healthy eating can get the 'buzz' of the latest news as it is published, following the launch of a new electronic newsletter from the Food Standards Agency.

• February 2010 Scores on the Doors update

  Monday 22 February 2010

  The Agency has today published a progress update on the development of the national six-tier Scores on the Doors scheme.

• Cocomi coconut milk powder withdrawn

  Thursday 18 February 2010

  TRS Wholesale has withdrawn all of its Cocomi brand coconut milk powder, because it contains milk, which is not mentioned on the label. The ingredients list only mentions sodium caseinate and so this makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• Lasco brand coconut cream powder withdrawn

  Thursday 18 February 2010

  KTC Edibles has withdrawn all of its Lasco brand Coconut Cream Powder, because the product contains milk, which is mentioned in the ingredients list only as sodium caseinate without additional reference to 'milk'. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• Asda withdraws some chocolate cookies

  Thursday 18 February 2010

  Asda has withdrawn some of its Extra Special Double Chocolate Cookies, because there is a problem with the packaging. Packets with a 'best before' date of 21 August 2010 actually contain Extra Special Double Chocolate and Hazelnut Cookies, which contain hazelnuts. This makes the mislabelled cookies a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to nuts.

• A helping hand for schools

  Wednesday 17 February 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is offering grants towards half the cost of Cookits for primary schools. Cookit is a set of high quality cooking equipment, containing all the equipment needed to teach basic cooking and baking skills to up to 12 pupils.

• Are we what we eat?

  Wednesday 17 February 2010

  The FSA is supporting a public debate on Tuesday 9 March 2010 that explores attitudes to food. It will consider: what we eat, what we buy, what we cook and the role of the food industry and government in shaping our attitudes towards food.

• Grace Foods withdraws coconut milk powder

  Tuesday 16 February 2010

  Grace Foods has withdrawn packs of its own-brand coconut milk powder, because the product contains milk, which is mentioned in the ingredients list only as sodium caseinate without additional reference to 'milk'.

• An insight into the nation’s diet

  Tuesday 9 February 2010

  The findings of a UK dietary survey, published by the Food Standards Agency, suggest that the nation is eating less saturated fat, trans fat and added sugar than it was 10 years ago. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is the first comprehensive survey of people’s eating patterns since 2001, when the survey was last carried out.

• Milk in Cadbury Chunks Bournville

  Tuesday 9 February 2010

  Cadbury Chunks Bournville, which can be used for cooking and baking in the home, contains milk, which is not an intended ingredient. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is allergic to or intolerant of milk.

• Rootz Large Eccles Cake withdrawn

  Friday 5 February 2010

  Harden Food has withdrawn its Rootz Large Eccles Cake, because the product contains sulphur dioxide, which is not mentioned correctly on the product label. This makes the product a possible health risk for anyone who is sensitive to sulphites.

• ACAF open meeting 3 March 2010

  Friday 5 February 2010

  The Committee's 49th meeting will take place on 3 March 2010, in open session, at Aviation House, London.

• Views wanted on chia seed

  Thursday 4 February 2010

  An Australian company has asked the Agency's expert advisers on novel foods to consider its application for the chia seed under the simplified approval procedure. The seed is from a type of mint plant. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union (EU) before 15 May 1997.

• New resources for national food hygiene rating scheme early adopters

  Wednesday 3 February 2010

  The Agency has published a leaflet, giving advice to businesses on the national food hygiene rating scheme known as 'scores on the doors' in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Local authorities planning to be early adopters of the scheme can use the leaflet to let businesses know the scheme will be coming to their area this year. Other resources for local authorities have also been published.

• Citizens' forum findings on food issues in Scotland

  Tuesday 2 February 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has published the latest report of people's views on food issues in Scotland. This is part of a series of citizens' forums set up to establish a dialogue with the public on food.

• Heinz recalls its fruit custard baby food

  Tuesday 2 February 2010

  Heinz is recalling a batch of its Fruity Custard Fruit Medley baby food (4 x 100g pots) because it might contain small pieces of plastic that could cause choking.

• Small steps towards a healthier life

  Tuesday 2 February 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has officially launched SmallSteps4Life – an interactive website to motivate young people to take simple steps towards improving their health and well-being, both inside and outside the classroom.

• Possible visa scam involving a UK-based food company

  Monday 1 February 2010

  The Agency received information relating to a possible scam to obtain UK travel visas through a UK-based food company but subsequent investigations have shown that the process is legal.

• Update on products free of colours associated with hyperactivity

  Monday 1 February 2010

  The Agency has updated its list of product ranges that do not contain the six food colours associated with possible hyperactivity in young children. A further two manufacturers producing product lines free of the colours have been added to the list. The manufacturers are Dartmoor Kitchen and Sargents Bakeries.

• eatwell to bring you all government food advice

  Friday 29 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is to expand its eatwell website to bring together all government information on food aimed at consumers. Advice on food safety and healthy eating will be integrated with information on a wide range of other topics relevant to consumers' food choices, with a particular focus on environmental and wider sustainability issues.

• Citizens' forum findings on nutrition labelling

  Thursday 28 January 2010

  The Agency has published the latest report of people's views on food labels and their awareness and understanding of front-of-pack nutrition labelling. This is part of a nationwide series of 'citizens' forums' set up to establish a dialogue with the public on food.

• Board meeting available online

  Wednesday 27 January 2010

  Yesterday's Agency open Board meeting is now available as a video-on-demand and as a podcast. The agenda included discussions of the research into the production of smoked skin-on-sheep meat (also known as 'smokies'), publication of research on ‘country of origin’ labelling, and the annual report to the FSA Board from the Chair of the Succession and Development Committee.

• Agency Board to push for legal smokies

  Tuesday 26 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency Board has today agreed to push for a change in European Union (EU) law to permit production of smoked skin-on sheep meat for human consumption.

• Imported cow aged over 30 months not tested for BSE

  Monday 25 January 2010

  The Agency has been notified that a cow aged over 30 months and imported from Romania has not been tested for BSE.

• Good hygiene is good for business

  Monday 25 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is launching a UK-wide campaign today, to raise awareness among food businesses about the Agency tools available to help businesses comply with food hygiene law.

• Divine Chocolate withdraws some dark chocolate

  Monday 25 January 2010

  Divine Chocolate has withdrawn some of its Divine Dark Chocolate because the product contains milk, which is not an intended ingredient. Although the allergy advice on the product label mentions that the product ‘may contain traces of milk’, the amount of milk is above what might be described as 'trace levels'. The Agency has issued an Allergy Alert.

• Morrisons recalls some seedless raisins

  Monday 25 January 2010

  Morrisons has recalled its Value Seedless Raisins with 'best before' dates of October 2010, November 2010 and December 2010, because the product might contain small pieces of green plastic. The Agency has issued a Food Alert for Information.

• Latest consumer attitudes tracker survey published

  Friday 22 January 2010

  Consumer attitudes towards key food areas have been revealed in the latest quarterly tracker, which has been monitoring important Food Standards Agency issues since 2001.

• New Scores on the Doors working group to meet

  Friday 22 January 2010

  The UK-wide Scores on the Doors Steering Group's Working Group on Consistency Issues will meet for the first time on Thursday 28 January.

• Consumers ready to consider 1% fat milk

  Monday 18 January 2010

  People who regularly use semi-skimmed milk would be happy to switch to drinking 1% fat milk, according to research published by the Agency to coincide with the launch of the second phase of its saturated fat campaign. 1% fat milk, which is on sale in most supermarkets, contains about half the fat of semi-skimmed.

• Take the 21-Day Sat Fat Challenge

  Monday 18 January 2010

  To support the second phase of our saturated fat campaign, the Agency today launches a phone application that enables you take a 21-day challenge to help you cut down on saturated fat.

• Research on 'country of origin' labelling published

  Thursday 14 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has published new research about country of origin labelling.

• Iodine warning on soya drink update

  Thursday 14 January 2010

  Food safety authorities in Australia and New Zealand informed the Food Standards Agency last year about high levels of iodine in a soya drink called 'Bonsoy', which some people use as an alternative to milk. We are issuing an update on what is happening.

• Make every inspection count

  Thursday 14 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has today published guidance on internal monitoring for local authority food services. ‘Making every inspection count’ draws on experience gained from the Agency's programme of auditing local authority food services.

• Conference to help shape Agency's future work

  Wednesday 13 January 2010

  The FSA is holding a major conference to discuss its future work and challenges. The 'FSA10: Ensuring safe food and healthy eating for all' conference, which will be held in London on 24 February, will bring together stakeholders from around the UK to discuss how to ensure safe food and healthy eating for consumers.

• Consultation launched on new BSE regulations (Scotland)

  Wednesday 13 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency in Scotland has launched a joint consultation with the Scottish Government on proposed new BSE regulations. The new regulations will update and replace the 2006 Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (Scotland) Regulations (as amended), taking into account decisions made by the FSA Board concerning the slaughter of cattle aged over thirty months (OTM).

• Review of proposed arrangements for the approval of meat establishments

  Wednesday 13 January 2010

  In May 2009, Tim Smith, Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency, commissioned Jan Polley of the National School of Government to review for him the proposed arrangements for the approval of meat establishments in Great Britain.

• Celebrity chef launches sixth form survivor competition

  Tuesday 12 January 2010

  Celebrity chef James Martin has launched a 'Sixth Form Survivor Competition', which is a Northern Ireland-wide recipe challenge to find the 'Ultimate Sixth Form Survivor'.

• Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland to host obesity conference

  Tuesday 12 January 2010

  The FSA Northern Ireland and the Department for Health, Social Services and Public Safety are holding a conference for food businesses on how they can help tackle obesity in Northern Ireland.

• Agency welcomes US salt targets

  Monday 11 January 2010

  The Agency welcomes today’s publication of voluntary salt targets by the New York City Health Department, which are part of the National Salt Reduction Initiative in the US.

• Views wanted on magnolia bark extract

  Monday 11 January 2010

  A US company has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market magnolia bark extract as a novel food ingredient. A novel food is a food or food ingredient that does not have a significant history of consumption within the European Union before 15 May 1997.

• Scores on the Doors Steering Group agenda published

  Monday 11 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency has published the agenda and papers for the meeting of the UK-wide Scores on the Doors Steering Group on Wednesday 13 January.

• Scottish Food Sampling Report for 2008 published

  Friday 8 January 2010

  The Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee's Research Working Group has today published an annual report of the food sampling data collected by Scottish local authorities (LAs) and their partner laboratories during 2008.

• Commissioning social science research workshop

  Thursday 7 January 2010

  The Food Standards Agency is holding a workshop with social scientists, on Thursday 28 January 2010, to develop ideas on how the Agency can improve the process of commissioning social science research in the future.