To assist interpretation of test results generated by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratories, UKHSA has published new guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods placed on the market.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation for the market authorization of additives, flavorings, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for use in food and feed; two novel foods; and one food contact (FCM) material. Additionally, approvals for eight flavorings have not been renewed.
The latest UK Food Security Report (UKFSR) has been published by the UK Government. A trend noted in the report is that, despite Campylobacter causing the most foodborne illnesses, outbreak detection is hindered by the lack of a required national typing scheme.
The latest UK-Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance report shows that levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pathogens from livestock and poultry are declining, and observes a 10-year-low in the number of antibiotics sold for use in food-producing animals.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened submissions for companies to express interest in a sandbox program to help ensure the safety of cell-cultivated foods.
UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) surveillance of food purchased at retail in 2023–2024
found 87 percent of samples to be compliant with food safety and authenticity standards. Undeclared allergens, adulteration, mislabeling, and other noncompliances were reported.
The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking stakeholder comment on a proposed guidance for industry regarding best practices for providing allergen information on non-prepackaged foods, such as in restaurants or at deli counters.
Following a proof-of-concept trial with five major grocery chains, the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is entertaining the idea of a new approach to national food hygiene regulation for large supermarket retailers, which would favor audit data monitoring over in-person inspections.
