DISTANCE SELLING - Consultation on FAC Report

This Review was commissioned by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board in April 2001 and the FAC was asked to report by December 2001. The Review was requested because of concerns that current controls might provide insufficient consumer protection in what is a rapidly expanding market. The FAC was also asked to provide recommendations on best practice for industry and guidance for local authorities when dealing with distance sales.

An extensive public consultation exercise carried out by the FAC did not reveal any widespread concerns or problems. Nevertheless, a number of areas were identified where it was felt that action was needed in order to prevent future problems. These areas include microbiological and chemical safety, enforcement and consumer information, and also international reciprocal arrangements.

The FSA would welcome comments on all the recommendations, but in particular on:

• Microbiological, temperature control and chemical contamination issues;
• Enforcement and consumer protection, particularly in relation to non-EU sales and unauthorised products;
• The use of Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes;
• The level of information which should be available to the purchaser; and
• International reciprocal arrangements.

The consultation period ends on 28 June 2002.