WIREDGOV

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

The FSA Board decided at its meeting in July 2010 to consult on suggestions to amend the legislation that currently allows slaughterhouses and cutting plant operators to continue to operate while an appeal against the refusal or withdrawal of approval is pending.

Under EU legislation, businesses that produce products of animal origin must be registered or, where appropriate, approved by the competent authority before they can sell food. The FSA is the competent authority for the approval of slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments. Local authorities are the competent authority with respect to other approved premises.

If a food business operator’s application to be approved is refused or withdrawn, the business can appeal against that decision. Under current regulations, the business can continue to operate, pending the outcome of the appeal.

The Agency is proposing to remove this right to continue to operate while the appeal process is underway because of concerns about the risk to public health. This change would bring the regulations in line with EU law.

Views on this proposal can be submitted during the 12-week public consultation, which closes on 10 December.