Food Standards Agency
Thursday 28 August 2008
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The Food Standards Agency has set up an incidents task force to strengthen existing controls in the food chain.
The aims are to reduce the possibility of future contamination incidents, such as those involving Para Red and Sudan dyes, and to improve the management of such incidents if they do occur.
The task force will be chaired by the Agency's Chief Executive, Dr Jon Bell, and members will include senior representatives from the food industry, enforcement authorities and consumer organisations, as well as two independent members.
FSA Acting Chair Julie Unwin said: 'In the light of recent Sudan I and Para Red food withdrawals we need to find practical ways of reducing the number of incidents of food contamination. When they do occur, we need quick, effective and appropriate action from all those involved.
‘The task force will help us achieve the overall objectives in our strategic plan to work with industry to reduce high and medium risk incidents by 25%.’
'The task force will help us achieve the overall objectives in our strategic plan to work with industry to reduce high and medium risk incidents by 25%.'
Back to topThe task force will:
The task force is due to report back to the Board on progress in the autumn and will hold its first meeting next month.
Back to topThe issue of food contamination of illegal dyes has recently been discussed by the European Commission. It has asked for a risk assessment of dyes such as Sudan I and Para Red to be conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A group of countries, led by the UK, will look at introducing uniform testing methodology to ensure consistent testing across Europe.
In the meantime the Agency has advised food businesses on an interim standardised approach.
Back to topOrganisations invited to participate are:
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