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Listen to this siteMonday 3 December 2007
Minutes of the meeting
Maureen Howell – AM only
Gaynor Denny
Lindsey Kearton
Richard Edwards – late PM only
Gaynor Bussell
Nia Rees Williams
Jane Ludlow – AM only
Jeremy Corson – lunchtime only
FSA Wales
Phil Morgan (Chairman)
Sarah Rowles
Jay Berry
Hilary Neathey
Apologies
Anne Bull
Teresa Owen
Ruth Fairchild
Rob Pickard
Phil opened the meeting by welcoming all the members. Apologies had been received from Anne Bull, Ruth Fairchild, Teresa Owen and Rob Pickard.
Back to topThe draft minutes from both the October 2006 and January 2007 meetings were endorsed as a true and accurate record of proceedings.
Back to topMaureen gave a presentation on the current position of the Quality of Food strategy and confirmed that there would be wide consultation employing various mechanisms to cover all interested parties.
Members then discussed various areas surrounding the strategy including its relationship to Food and Well Being (FWB), the extent to which it underpins the issues behind FWB, how it hopes to link up agendas across Wales, sustainability issues, and the differences between the terms 'quality' and 'healthy' within the food industry. Maureen noted that it is also important to ensure that the strategy takes account of developments at a UK and international level.
Back to topPhil told the group that a further draft copy of the evaluation report had been received from Warwick very recently, and so it had not been possible to circulate it pre-meeting. From preliminary observations it appeared that there had been limited amendments made, particularly with regard to the findings section.
Sarah went through each of the three evaluation questions and sub-questions, and gave a summary of the findings of the report for each section. A copy of the revised challenges and gaps sections of the report were circulated to members for discussion.
There was general consensus that the draft report needed to show more clearly those areas where progress has been made and clearly demonstrate that all appropriate key players had contributed to the evaluation. The Working Party found the report to be unwieldy and difficult to penetrate. It was felt the body of the report contained a greater deal of material that might be better relegated to annexes. They also agreed that the report should focus on the findings, and go into more detail than it currently does as opposed to general overarching statements, and requires an executive summary. Members requested that the report be more concise and clearer in it’s explanations, relevancy to Food and Well Being, as well as less contradictory and more evidence based where possible.
Phil told members that due to the need to have the evaluation complete as soon as possible to feed into the Nutrition Conferences, he would be in contact with the evaluation team from Warwick to suggest an early meeting to discuss the concerns in detail, and agree any amendments with the authors.
Back to topThe evaluation report also questioned some of the mechanisms of the strategy implementation, including the function and effectiveness of the IMWP. Phil opened discussions on the future role of the Working Party by thanking members for their valuable contributions to both the development of the strategy and in overseeing the implementation of the Action Plan. He continued by stating that given the change in the external landscape and the interim evaluation report findings, that it was considered timely to reconsider the Working Party’s function and role. Various issues were raised by members including: the expertise and range of representation that is required; whether the FSA should remain as the chair of the meetings, the need for new members to fill vacated places as well as unrepresented areas, if the terms of reference should be updated, and if better buy-in is required. It was acknowledged that the potential re-focus of FWB action plan would have an influence on several of these areas. It was also acknowledged that it was not possible to progress this item further without wider membership of the group present.
Sarah therefore suggested that areas worthy of consideration that were raised, either at the meeting, or in the evaluation report itself would be forwarded to members for consideration and would be placed on the agenda for future meetings.
Back to topPhil advised members that the next round of Nutrition Conferences – 'Eat Well: Getting the Balance Right' – would be held on 14 June at North East Wales Institute (NEWI) in Wrexham and on 26 June at the Angel Hotel in Cardiff. The programme will centre around the imminent launch of the Assembly's Quality of Food strategy consultation and the interim evaluation of Food and Well being. Jay advised that the Nutrition Network for Wales and Physical Activity Network Co-ordinators would be providing an update at both of the conferences. The workshop sessions will focus around those aspects of the strategy which are still to be fully addressed and may include: malnutrition in older people, engaging with industry, engaging with black and minority ethnic communities and initiatives to address overweight and obesity. Members were invited to suggest other Food and Well Being action areas for discussion at workshops, as well as potential speakers and facilitators. Jay advised that there will also be a market place exhibition area to enable sharing of information and encouraged members to attend.
Back to topSarah Rowles updated the group on the curriculum consultation and advised that the comments made by members had been submitted to DELLS and received support from various parties. She also advised that DELLS have requested a member of the working party to sit on the group that will review their Food in the School Curriculum guidance. Several members have put their names forward, and Richard Edwards’ nomination was accepted by the Group to fulfil this role.
Back to topThe Chair proposed it would be prudent to consider holding a further meeting in order to update the Group on the FWB evaluation before the report was shared with stakeholders. Two possible dates were offered - Monday 21 May or Tuesday 5 June. Members agreed to report back to confirm their availability in case the meeting is required.
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