The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) Board has agreed on the scope of its “Future of Food Regulation” initiative, setting out plans to develop a more effective, resilient, and trusted food regulatory system.

The program will develop proposals to strengthen the UK food safety oversight system, with the aim of keeping pace with emerging food business models and changes in how consumers purchase and consume food.

Key Areas of Reform

FSA said the program will explore several areas for improvement, including:

• Enhancing the food business registration system to improve effectiveness
• Establishing a national regulatory approach for some large food businesses, using existing data and assurance systems alongside in-person inspections
• Improving guidance provided to local authorities and businesses
• Strengthening enforcement powers to enable more timely and proportionate action
• Improving consumer information, including proposals to make Food Hygiene Rating displays mandatory in England.

National Oversight for Large Food Businesses

Following a request from the UK Government in the 2025 Budget, the Board agreed that the program should develop proposals for a national system of regulation for large food businesses in England, such as major supermarket chains.

With government funding in place, FSA said it will explore this national approach alongside broader reforms intended to strengthen the overall food safety and standards system.

Focus on Risk Identification and Regulatory Efficiency

The Board said proposed system improvements could support faster identification of food safety risks, while reducing administrative burdens for businesses without weakening regulatory controls.

Next Steps

Professor Susan Jebb, FSA Chair, said the agency’s goal is to ensure that consumers can trust that their food is safe, noting that changes in the food system are creating new challenges for both businesses and regulators. She added that the scale of the proposed reforms will require collaboration with industry and regulatory partners.

FSA will move forward with engagement involving local authorities, businesses, consumers, and industry stakeholders to help shape the future regulatory framework.