Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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FSA Board Paper, 8 June 2023
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FSA Board Paper (June 2023) - Border Target Operating Model Update The Board Paper is available as a web page on the FSA web site (click on image). |
The following are the first two sections of the Board Paper:
FSA 23-06-04 - Report by Anjali Juneja.
The TOM details a global approach to import controls on Sanitary Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) goods, building on the approach the UK inherited when we left the EU by making it more agile and risk based and introduces import controls on EU food and feed for the first time.
1. Summary
1.1 The government published the draft Border Target Operating Model (TOM) on 5 April. This was followed by a period of engagement which ended on 19 May. The Board is asked to note this update on the TOM, the process that has been followed for determination of the TOM risk categories, and the next steps before the publication of the final version of the TOM anticipated around the end of June 2023.
2. Introduction
2.1 The TOM details a global approach to import controls on Sanitary Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) goods, building on the approach the UK inherited when we left the EU by making it more agile and risk based and introduces import controls on EU food and feed for the first time. The TOM is underpinned by an evidence-based model that uses available data on the animal and human health risks inherent to a commodity, together with risks specific to the country of origin. It generates a risk ranking score that is then used by risk managers to recommend a TOM risk category that determines the level of controls and checks to be applied to that commodity.
2.2 The FSA has an established risk management framework that forms part of the ‘Three Lines of Defence’ (see Annex A) and applies the principles of the HM Treasury Orange Book, a document providing guidance which establishes the concept of risk management. We use this framework to provide assurance to the FSA Board, the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC), and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as Accounting Officer that opportunities and risks are being effectively identified, assessed and managed, and those involved understand their roles and responsibilities.
2.3 The new risk model has been led by Defra and is designed to assess the risks posed to public and animal health by imported products of animal origin on a country-by-country basis. The FSA has worked closely with Defra on development of the food safety component of the risk model and also with the Cabinet Office and other departments, notably Defra, UKHSA, DHSC and colleagues in the devolved governments and Food Standards Scotland on the development of the draft TOM.
2.4 During the stakeholder engagement period the FSA has taken part in a series of Cabinet Office and Defra-led workshops covering a wide range of business types – both large scale events and smaller, more bespoke sessions. The FSA led an event for consumer focussed organisations with support from the Cabinet Office and Defra on 16 May. Questions from these organisations focussed on areas where more detail was desired: these included the impact of the Windsor Framework, the detail underpinning the risk model and the mechanisms to ensure that it remains dynamic.
For previous news item on this topic, see:
