Contractors needed to research meat controls

Thursday 19 November 2009

The Food Standards Agency is seeking a contractor, or contractors, to carry out research into future meat controls in the UK. The deadline for receiving applications is Monday 4 January 2010.

The Agency has carried out a range of work to identify food safety hazards in connection with the production of meat and to establish effective methods for their control.

In July 2007, the FSA Board agreed that, following consideration of the Tierney Review, the Agency should adopt a more risk and evidence-based, proportionate and targeted approach to the regulation of meat hygiene.

The FSA is currently undertaking a review of current official controls on meat, which has been identified as a priority within the FSA’s Strategy for 2010–2015. It will contribute to two strategic outcomes:

• food produced or sold in the UK is safe to eat
• a proportionate, risk-based regulatory regime relating to food, that is clear about the responsibilities of food business operators and others, and that generates public confidence in food

Present and future research in this area is aimed at providing the scientific base for an improved meat inspection regime, as well as informing the review of the current regulatory framework.

More information about the research requirements and how to apply can be found via the link below.