Food Standards Agency
Printable version E-mail this to a friend

Views sought on using lactic acid on beef carcasses

The Food Standards Agency is asking businesses to provide their views on the use of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination on beef carcasses, proposed in a draft EU regulation.

The FSA has already consulted widely to inform the UK voting position on the EU draft regulation, and would like to consult further in order to assess the likely impact on UK businesses. If authorised, the use of lactic acid on beef carcasses would be permissive rather than mandatory. A vote on the Commission regulation is expected in spring 2012.

Businesses in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland are asked to submit their views, for instance whether they would use lactic acid if approved, what the cost might be, and whether staff would require additional training in the process.

Details of how to respond are included in the interested parties letters below. When responding, please state whether you are giving views as a private individual or on behalf of an organisation/company (including details of any stakeholders your organisation represents).

The Food Standards Agency will review the responses to determine whether a formal Regulatory Impact Assessment is necessary.

Responses are required by 5pm on Friday 30 March 2012.

Latest Guide: Key Insights for Creating a Robust Public Sector Workforce