Foodlaw-Reading Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Food Law News - UK - 2018

FSA Consultation, 28 June 2018

MEAT HYGIENE - The Operational Policy for the approval of meat establishments undertaken by the FSA

The Food Standards Agency welcomes stakeholders’ views on proposed revisions to the current Operational Policy used for the approval of meat establishments. The changes have been proposed by both industry and the FSA on the governance arrangements for decision making and improving transparency in the processes implemented by the FSA.

Closing date 20 September 2018

More about this proposal

Consultation target audience

Slaughterhouses, Cutting Plants, Approved Game Handling Establishments, Food Business Operators (FBO’s), Local Authorities, Service Delivery Partners.

What is the subject of this consultation?

We are conducting a revision of the current Operational Policy. Changes have been proposed by both Industry and the FSA on the governance arrangements for decision making and improving transparency in the processes implemented by the FSA.

What is the purpose of this consultation?

To seek views on the revisions made to the policy document to reflect several changes in policy and procedure which have yet to be incorporated since it was last published in August 2015.

The following is taken from the Consultation Document:

A summary of the main changes being proposed:

• Removal of references to Food Standards Scotland. They have produced their own policy since the current joint policy was last published in August 2015.
• Page 6 - There is a change to the governance arrangements following recommendations from the independent review of policies and procedures. The decision maker for Approvals decisions will a Senior Civil Servant. Reference to a decision making panel is also included. This is a mechanism used by the FSA for decisions where the decision maker can draw upon advice from appropriate colleagues within the FSA
• Paragraph 46 – The FSA is now intending to charge for advisory visits. These visits are not required under regulations but the FSA still wishes to offer these for prospective new businesses seeking support and advice on gaining approval. These visits will be charged on a full cost recovery basis.
• Paragraphs 49-57 – provides clarity to the extent that previous non-compliance will be a determining factor when receiving new applications. This will assist the FSA in making informed decisions on food business operators who have previously demonstrated an inability to meet the minimum requirements of food law.
• Para 58 – emphasises the need for a food safety management system needing to be in place prior to conditional approval for high risk food items such as minced meat/meat preps intended to be eaten less than thoroughly cooked.
• Para 80 – provides conformation that approval numbers can be re-used for a new approval. This allows FBOs to retain their previous approval number in certain circumstances such as when they move to new premises.
• Para 95 – clarifying that the audit cycle is suspended whilst a formal review of approval is ongoing
• Para 107 – explains that the FSA will not consider applications for additional activities whilst the FBO has an Urgent Improvement Necessary or Improvement Necessary outcome
• Page 38 – inclusion of the ‘satellite’ exemption which has already been included in the LA Guidance for Approval Officers published in July 2016.
• Page 42 – inclusion of CCTV requirements in the list of serious deficiencies which will allow the FSA to withdraw approval if a slaughterhouse fails to comply with the new requirements.

The Operational Policy for the approval of meat establishments undertaken by the FSA A copy of the consultation document is available on this site (click on image)