FSA publishes revised UK food safety law codes to modernise enforcement

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published revised Food Law Codes of Practice and Practice Guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking a major step in modernising food safety standards and law enforcement.

The changes, published this week, aim to give local councils greater flexibility to prioritise resources where they can deliver the most impact on public health outcomes. They follow a two-year development process and a 12-week consultation earlier this year with local authorities, port health authorities, district councils and industry stakeholders.

Rachel Cooper, Director of Strategy and Regulatory Compliance at the FSA, said: “This update helps ensure that local councils have a more flexible, risk-based approach to carry out their vital work in a way that’s both effective and sustainable. The changes we’ve made will strengthen the consistency of food law enforcement, support officer development and enhance consumer protection.”

Key revisions

Key changes include a more flexible approach to prioritising checks on new food businesses, with local councils able to triage operators when they first register. Councils will also be able to make greater use of alternative methods, such as remote assessments, to target resources more efficiently.

The updated Codes also broaden the range of professionals who can undertake certain official control activities in England and Wales, ensuring officers’ expertise is dedicated to where it can have the greatest impact. In addition, Wales has introduced the Food Standards Delivery Model, already implemented in England and Northern Ireland in 2023, updating how local councils regulate food standards within food establishments.

The revisions form part of the FSA’s wider commitment to modernise regulation in response to evolving food practices, shifting consumer behaviours and ongoing pressures within the food industry. The FSA says the changes will improve consistency in regulation and help maintain public confidence in food safety standards.

Alongside the Codes, the FSA has launched a revised competency standard to support officer training and professional development. Local councils can use the standard, together with the Codes, to assess and maintain staff competence in food safety checks.

The updated Food Law Codes and Practice Guidance are now available on the FSA website.