FOOD SAFETY-PROTECTING THE CONSUMER

• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: London Her Majesty S Stationary Office 1989
• Subjects: Food industry and trade; Food handling
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 The Government have always given high priority to food safety. This White Paper describes our present arrangements, highlights the steps taken recently and sets out our proposals for the future. Wide-ranging laws already protect the consumer. They govern what food contains, how it is produced, how it is handled and how it is labelled. Recent events and developments in the food chain have underlined the need for these laws. The Government have used them to deal promptly with new problems such as those created by one particular type of sal monella. We will continue to meet each new challenge on the basis of the best available scientific and expert advice. The Government have many Committees covering different aspects of food safety, regularly providing that expert advice. Our policies are designed not only to combat persistent problems, but also to keep pace with technological progress and developments throughout the food chain. This systematic, scientific approach ensures that action is well directed. A Bill will be introduced, as soon as Parliamentary time permits, to adapt the law to tomorrow's needs. The new legislation, and comparable pro visions for Northern Ireland, will set firm and clear ground rules, providing even greater security for the future. Protecting the consumer remains the Government's overriding concern.