Food Safety Rules in UK Cause Consumer Concern
A recent study found that consumers are worried about potential changes to the food safety rules in UK. Researchers conducted workshops with 78 people from across the nations of the UK. To understand public views on regulatory divergence for food standards.
Participants expressed surprise when told that regulations could differ between England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most believed that a consistent approach to food safety rules in UK was important given the perceived risks to public health. There was a feeling that diverging standards could confuse both consumers and businesses. It may also undermine trust in the Food Standards Agency if the reasons for changes were unclear.
Concerns About Impacts on Trade And Supply
Respondents worried that regulatory divergence could negatively impact trade. Both for UK exports to the EU and imports from other countries. If UK standards changed in a way that products from elsewhere no longer met requirements. It could potentially disrupt supply chains and even lead to shortages of certain foods. International trade is a major part of the UK food industry, so changes bringing non-tariff barriers were a key concern discussed.
When presented with hypothetical scenarios involving different food safety rules in UK, participants were most open to changes for products seen as lower risk like fruit and vegetables. However, they felt meat and fish required more stringent oversight given potential health implications if something went wrong. Temperature controls were viewed as less important than other aspects of the regulations such as inspection procedures, animal welfare or controls on foodborne illness.
