Advisory Committees - Board Operating Framework

The Food Standards Act mandates an advisory committee for Northern Ireland and a committee for Wales, for the purpose of giving advice or information to the Agency about matters connected with its functions (including in particular matters affecting or otherwise relating to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, as the case may be). Schedule II of the Act provides further detail including information about their deemed Terms of Reference.

Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee

The Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee acts as an independent advisory body to the Food Standards Agency. It is chaired by the Northern Ireland Board member. Its role is to advise the Agency on food safety and standards issues, with emphasis onto Northern Ireland.

Welsh Food Advisory Committee

The Welsh Food Advisory Committee acts as an independent advisory body to the Food Standards Agency. It is chaired by the Wales Board member. Its role is to advise the Agency on food and feed safety and standards issues, with an emphasis on Wales. 

Scientific Advisory Councils and Committees

Scientific Advisory Councils and Committees (SACs) help government departments (and their arms-length bodies) to access, interpret and understand the full range of relevant scientific information, and to make judgements about its relevance, potential and application.

The FSA is advised by the following independent FSA committees of scientific experts:

• Science Council
• Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes
• Committee on Toxicity
• Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs
• Advisory Committee for Social Science

Further information on our Scientific Advisory Committees can be found on our Science Advisory Committees Hub. The Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils is also available to view.