Friday 3 July 2009

E03002: The identification, analysis and potential remedy of the problems experienced by SMEs in complying with food law requirements

Monday 5 April 2004

This research project aims to identify the difficulties experienced by small food businesses in complying with food law requirements and identify solutions.

Study Duration : October 2001 to January 2004

Contractor : Core Food and Drink

Background

The project was commissioned to identify the difficulties experienced by small food businesses in complying with food law requirements and identify solutions that will help to provide better, relevant information in a way in which all businesses can access.

Research Approach

The project involved two phases of work:

A quantitative survey, to identify and understand the scale and scope of difficulties experienced by businesses with regard to complying with food law requirements.
Qualitative pilot studies to test the effectiveness of five different mechanisms of support for small and medium entreprises (SMEs) in helping them comply with requirements for food labelling and HACCP/hazard analysis. The methods used were: traditional training courses, telephone help-line, postal information, access to an interactive website and advisory visits by enforcement officers.

Results and findings

The project involved two phases of work:

A quantitative survey which identified the scale and scope of the difficulties experienced by businesses, in complying with food law requirements;
Qualitative pilot studies which tested the effectiveness of five different mechanisms of support for SMEs in order to help them comply with requirements for food labelling and HACCP/hazard analysis.

Within this study, 39% of businesses surveyed indicated that they may not be fully compliant. 80% of new enterprises under one year old felt that they did not fully meet all the requirements of food law. The main areas of poor compliance identified were food labelling and implementation, and operation of food safety management systems. The results also indicated that there was a real willingness for companies to implement the necessary changes and developments within their business, providing that they were given the necessary assistance.

The study also identified that many of the EHOs and TSOs surveyed felt that they would benefit from a better understanding of the industry they were inspecting.
Another main finding was that support provided to food companies on a one-to-one basis, either by an enforcement officer or independent advisor, was key in assisting small food enterprises to comply.
Overall, the pilot studies identified a number of advantages and disadvantages for each of the five methods of assistance tested. It also highlighted the challenges involved with assisting businesses.

Dissemination information

The final report is available from the Agency’s Information Centre.
To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: infocentre@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk )

For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant Programme contact or email: science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk

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E03002: The identification, analysis and potential remedy of the problems experienced by SMEs in complying with food law requirements

Background

Research Approach

Results and findings

Dissemination information

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