Food Safety
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Food Safety
  • NEWS
    • Latest News
    • White Papers
  • PRODUCTS
  • TOPICS
    • Contamination Control
    • Food Types
    • Management
    • Process Control
    • Regulatory
    • Sanitation
    • Supply Chain
    • Testing and Analysis
  • PODCAST
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Food Safety Five Newsreel
    • eBooks
    • FSM Distinguished Service Award
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Videos
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • MORE
    • ENEWSLETTER >
      • Archive Issues
      • Subscribe to eNews
    • Store
    • Sponsor Insights
  • WEBINARS
  • FOOD SAFETY SUMMIT
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Editorial Advisory Board
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
NewsRegulatoryInspectionInternational Standards/Harmonization

FSA Changes Course on Some Elements of Proposed Modernized Food Hygiene Delivery Model

By Food Safety Magazine Editorial Team
union jack flag

Image credit: James Giddins via Unsplash

November 7, 2023

From April–June, 2023, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) opened a public consultation on developing a modernized food hygiene delivery model (FHDM). Stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on proposed changes to the FHDM, which were intended to enable local authorities to focus on food businesses that are noncompliant or pose the highest public health risk, thereby reducing regulatory burdens on compliant and low-risk businesses.

In response to mixed comments, FSA will not be progressing several elements of its proposed modernized FHDM, and other elements will be progressed with changes to make the scheme more efficient and effective. Elements of the proposed developments which would require piloting, or significant management information system (MIS) changes, will not be progressed.

Specifically, the proposed modernized intervention rating scheme, involving intervention scoring and planned official control frequencies based on a decision matrix approach, will not be progressed, because local authorities (LAs) reported that they are already focusing on high-risk and noncompliant businesses out of necessity due to a lack of resources. Other challenges were also highlighted by stakeholders, such as implementation timelines, LA MIS alignment costs, consistency of risk scoring by LAs, communication to stakeholders about proposed changes, funding to implement the proposed changes, producing LA foodservice plans, and how the proposed changes would align with the existing Food Standards model.

Additionally, stakeholders expressed concerns with the proposed development for introducing flexibilities as to who can undertake official controls and other official activities. Issues underlined by respondents included implementation timelines for the modernized model, lack of LA resources, competency of officers, competency assessment challenges, funding to implement proposed changes to LA MIS alignment costs, and communication to stakeholders regarding proposed changes.

Feedback from the consultation also highlighted alternative approaches to enhance the existing FHDM. The broader FSA Achieving Business Compliance (ABC) Program aims to modernize the UK food regulatory system as a whole, which may consider longer-term reforms in some of the areas brought up by respondents. The agency would execute such changes in collaboration with stakeholders.

Originally, FSA planned for the next step in the implementation of the proposed modernized FHDM to be a pilot phase. However, in light of the consultation feedback and FSA’s subsequent revised approach, the agency will not move forward with the planned pilot. Specifically, the proposed amended approach for each proposal is as follows.

Proposed Development 1

The first proposed development undergoing significant changes from FSA’s original plan is the modernized food hygiene intervention rating scheme including a decision matrix to determine the appropriate frequency of controls based on the risk posed by a food business establishment.

Stakeholders provided a mixed response to Proposed Development 1. A number of concerns were raised regarding the proposed food hygiene intervention scoring and planned official control frequencies (the decision matrix approach). Therefore, FSA will not progress development of these elements of the proposal. However, FSA will continue to explore the potential development and viability of certain amendments, including the provision of clarification and guidance on:

  • The scoring of the provision of food to vulnerable risk groups under the current intervention rating scheme
  • A score of 15 for confidence in management
  • Assessment of allergens by LAs during inspections
  • The assessment of food safety culture, where appropriate.

FSA will consider what changes are needed to the Food Law Code of Practice (the Code) and Food Law Practice Guidance (the Practice Guidance) to achieve the retained proposed amendments. If MIS changes are required that are not covered under current MIS contracts, the agency will assess the costs of introducing the amendments and consider the approach ahead of any consultation on potential amendments to the code.

Proposed Development 2

The second proposed development that will change in response to stakeholder comments is the updated risk-based approach to the timescales (where not prescribed in legislation) for initial official controls of new food establishments, and undertaking due official controls. Although there were mixed opinions on the detail of Proposed Development 2, there was also broad support for the triaging and prioritization of new food businesses and due official controls.

FSA will consider what changes are needed to the Code and Practice Guidance to achieve the aforementioned triaging and prioritization. Feedback from the consultation will be considered when developing and refining the proposal. Again, if MIS changes are required that are not covered under current MIS contracts, the agency will assess the costs of introducing this proposal and consider the approach ahead of any consultation on potential Code amendments.

Feedback from the consultation indicated the need to develop FSA’s online Register a Food Business (RAFB) system to support increased data collection, which would help local authorities with triaging newly registered businesses. Following the review of the Code and Practice Guidance, consideration will be given to any future development to support changes to the Code.

Proposed Development 3

The third proposed development to be amended is the increase of flexibility as to the methods and techniques of official controls that can be used to risk rate an establishment, including the appropriate use of remote official controls.

There was a mixed response regarding increased flexibility as to the methods and techniques of official controls. The introduction of the proposed flexibilities were welcomed with regards to balance, including the use of remote assessment in suitable circumstances. FSA will conduct work to develop and refine the proposal to address some of the concerns raised and limitations suggested by stakeholders. The agency will consider what changes are needed to the Code and Practice Guidance to introduce appropriate flexibilities ahead of any consultation on potential Code amendments.

Proposed Development 4

Finally, FSA will amend the a fourth proposed development, which involves extending the activities that certain officers who do not hold a “suitable” qualification for food hygiene can undertake if they are competent, such as Regulatory Support Officers (RSOs).

There was a mixed response to extending the activities of officers who do not hold a “suitable” qualification; however, FSA will continue to explore the expansion of activities such officers can undertake, which would have significant benefits for some LAs. Further consideration will be given to additional limitations, controls, and training that may be required in order to mitigate the concerns raised by stakeholders. A review of the Code, Practice Guidance, and Competency Framework will be undertaken ahead of any consultation on potential Code amendments.

KEYWORDS: food hygiene FSA

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Fsm purple logo 200x200

The Food Safety Magazine editorial team comprises Bailee Henderson, Digital Editor ✉; Adrienne Blume, M.A., Editorial Director; and Stacy Atchison, Publisher.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • people holding baby chicks

    Serovar Differences Matter: Utility of Deep Serotyping in Broiler Production and Processing

    This article discusses the significance of Salmonella in...
    Microbiological
    By: Nikki Shariat Ph.D.
  • woman washing hands

    Building a Culture of Hygiene in the Food Processing Plant

    Everyone entering a food processing facility needs to...
    Training
    By: Richard F. Stier, M.S.
  • graphical representation of earth over dirt

    Climate Change and Emerging Risks to Food Safety: Building Climate Resilience

    This article examines the multifaceted threats to food...
    Best Practices
    By: Maria Cristina Tirado Ph.D., D.V.M. and Shamini Albert Raj M.A.
Manage My Account
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Subscribe to eNewsletter
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Website Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Food Safety Magazine audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Food Safety Magazine or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • mold
    Sponsored byIFC

    Tackling Mold Remediation in Food Processing Plants

  • a worker in a food processing plant
    Sponsored byLPS® DETEX®

    How a Beverage Facility Improved Food Safety and Compliance with Detectable Packaging Solutions

  • Two men standing in a produce storage facility having a discussion.
    Sponsored byOrkin Commercial

    Staying Compliant With FSMA

Popular Stories

smoked salmon in oil

Study Shows Food Type Significantly Affects Listeria’s Ability to Survive Digestion, Cause Sickness

straight-on view of u.s. capitol hill

Bill Reintroduced to Congress Would Require FDA to Systematically Reassess Food Chemicals

FSM podcast

Ep. 197. Jatin Patel: Lessons Learned and Best Practices for Handling a Recall

Events

July 15, 2025

Hygienic Design Risk Management: Industry Challenges and Global Insights

Live: July 15, 2025 at 11:00 am EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn the importance of hygienic design to ensure food safety and sanitation effectiveness.

July 22, 2025

Beyond the Binder: Digital Management of Food Safety

Live: July 22, 2025 at 3:00 pm EDT: During this webinar, attendees will learn best practices for the use of digital food safety management systems across industry and regulatory agencies.

August 7, 2025

Achieve Active Managerial Control of Major Risk Factors Using a Food Safety Management System

Live: August 7, 2025 at 2:00 pm EDT: From this webinar, attendees will learn about changes to the FDA Food Code, which now includes a requirement for FSMS. 

View All

Products

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

Global Food Safety Microbial Interventions and Molecular Advancements

See More Products
Environmental Monitoring Excellence eBook

Related Articles

  • dates processing and packaging

    UK FSA: Proposed Changes to Food Hygiene Delivery Model Open to Comment

    See More
  • UK flag painted on wood

    UK FSA Proposes Changes to Food Law Code of Practice and Guidance

    See More
  • one half of cracked egg holding yolk on top of carton of eggs

    FSANZ Seeking Input on Proposed Changes to Food Safety, Production Requirements for Eggs

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9781498721776.jpg

    Handbook of Food Processing: Food Safety, Quality, and Manufacturing Processes

  • 1444333348.jpg

    Handbook of Food Safety Engineering

  • 9781138198463.jpg

    Food Safety Management Programs: Applications, Best Practices, and Compliance

See More Products

Related Directories

  • ITEC Frontmatec Hygiene

    ITEC has been a strong name in the food industry for over 25 years and is a Frontmatec brand for innovative hygiene equipment and systems. We have a worldwide network of partners to support customers at home and abroad, helping them to compete in global markets. High quality, pragmatism and reliability are the basis for long-term partnerships and sustainable growth.
  • OneEvent Technologies

    OneEvent provides wireless temperature monitoring of coolers and freezers through a cellular gateway. Data is collected from temperature and door sensors and when a temperature exceeds your pre-set limits, you get notified. And, OneEvent can predict if a unit will exceed its temperature limits up to 30 days in advance.
  • On Target Packaging

    On Target Packaging is a production/maintenance servicer for combination and check weighers. We do not sell or process food, but provide service/repairs, and equipment for the food industry
×

Never miss the latest news and trends driving the food safety industry

eNewsletter | Website | eMagazine

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing