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Redesign for FSA's regulatory role
meat
The new pilot scheme will redistribute regulation to selected companies including Tesco and restaurant chain Mitchell and Butlers.
Agency creating 'a new blueprint' for regulating food businesses

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to restructure the way in which food regulation is delivered as part of its 'Food We Can Trust' strategic goal. Increasing demands and pressure on the agency’s current inspection model have sparked a need to readdress how resources are distributed.

In a key note speech at the agency’s Parliamentary Reception, Heather Hancock, FSA chairperson said: "We will move away from a one size fits all approach, to tailored and proportionate regulation that reflects risk, reinforces accountability and delivers more for public health."

The new pilot scheme will redistribute regulation to selected companies including Tesco and restaurant chain Mitchell and Butlers, capitalising on larger companies' own auditing and sampling techniques to monitor and ensure food safety.  

The decision has received a mixed response, with critics concerned about the reliability of self-regulation. However, rapid technological and economical changes in the sector have driven the agency to explore alternative means of keeping pace with the industry.

Heather Hancock continued: "We will use robust industry data to help assure compliance and tackle public trust." She went on to praise the success of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS): "Businesses seek higher ratings, and that competitive element drives up levels of compliance."

The pilots will run between now and December 2016. The new regime proper is expected by 2020. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.