The Government's White Paper, to be published soon, will set out plans for a more co-ordinated approach. The Agency would aim to ensure consistent and effective enforcement at every step of the food chain.
Food Safety Minister Jeff Rooker said:
"Consumers have a right to know what they are entitled to expect; the food industry must understand and deliver the standards required by law; and enforcement agencies have to apply the rules consistently and fairly. The public has a right to know that the same standards are being applied to food wherever they shop or eat. We are looking to build on the strengths of the system of local authority enforcement. Our plans will aim to introduce firmer co-ordination and oversight, without being unnecessarily bureaucratic."
Mr Rooker was speaking at the Society of Food Hygiene Technology's annual lunch in London. He had been invited to explain the rationale for implementing a UK Food Standards Agency.