Scientists and staff in the new Food Standards Agency will rely heavily on professionals and managers in the food industry to help deliver standards across the board. Many food businesses in Britain already have exemplary standards of food hygiene and quality. Mr Rooker wanted to see this best practice approach adopted by all food businesses.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists Mr Rooker said:
"Government intervention is not the only answer to raising food safety and standards. Every person growing, manufacturing, preparing, and selling food has a part to play in food safety, every day, every hour, and every minute they are handling food. They have a professional and personal responsibility to protect their customers.
"My message to those of you who work in the industry and those who will be working within the Agency is simple: we need to work together. If we do, both the industry and consumers will benefit."
Mr Rooker was also keen to hear views from the audience on the Government's recently published White paper on the Food Standards Agency. IPMS members had the opportunity to air their views directly to the Minister during this current consultation period, ending on 16 March 1998.