[ARCHIVED CONTENT] Food Standards Agency

Open meeting on variability and uncertainty in toxicology Monday 29 December 2003 The Working Group on Variability and Uncertainty in Toxicology is holding a scientific symposium/workshop at which stakeholders will be able to hear presentations on issues of relevance to the group's work and contribute to the discussions.

New year, new you Saturday 27 December 2003 If you've over-indulged this Christmas, you're probably keen to shake off those extra pounds. The best way to do this is to eat a balanced diet and get physically active.

Harissa hazard Monday 22 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing a category C food hazard warning on a hot sauce contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan I.

Strawberry milk recall Friday 19 December 2003 Breaktime Strawberry Flavoured Milk is being taken off the shelves as a precautionary measure, following the discovery of damage to the silver foil lids.

Mexican mix withdrawn Friday 19 December 2003 Asda has recalled a spicy gift set after it was found to contain seasoning contaminated with the illlegal dye, Sudan I.

No more horsing around with salami Wednesday 17 December 2003 A UK-wide investigation carried out by the Food Standards Agency suggests that consumers should no longer be concerned about the problem of salami containing undeclared horsemeat and donkeymeat.

Pasanda masala taken off the shelves Wednesday 17 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued a category C food hazard warning after a pasanda masala was found to be contaminated with the illegal dye, Sudan I.

Potato cheats have had their chips Tuesday 16 December 2003 Action taken against potato cheats, following an FSA survey that found significant mislabelling of potatoes, has had a welcome effect in forcing errant suppliers to clean up their act.

Christmas cooks feel the pressure Tuesday 16 December 2003 Research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency reveals that preparing and cooking a traditional turkey is second only to shopping as the most stressful Christmas activity.

Updated private slaughter of livestock guidance notes Monday 15 December 2003 The Agency has updated the Private Kills (Slaughter) Guidance, which was distributed to local authorities and other interested organisations in December 2001.

Tandoori masala withdrawal Monday 15 December 2003 A category C food hazard warning has been issued by the Food Standards Agency on two brands of tandoori masala.

Research on the fate of GM animal feed Friday 12 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency has funded research on the fate of genetically modified DNA or protein when cows are given GM animal feed.

Board update December 2003 Friday 12 December 2003 More than 90 members of the public attended the Food Standards Agency's open Board Meeting, held on 11 December 2003 at the Congress Centre in London. An additional 85 people viewed the proceedings on a live internet webcast.

Latest fact-packed FSA News available online Friday 12 December 2003 The latest fact-packed issue of FSA News has been published and is available online.

EU food hygiene legislation update Friday 12 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued an update on the formal adoption by the Council of Ministers, of a Common Positon on First Reading, on proposals to consolidate and simplify EU food hygiene legislation.

Open Board Meeting: live online now Thursday 11 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency Open Board Meeting is being webcast live over the Internet.

Hot sauce withdrawal Thursday 11 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued a Category C food hazard warning about a chilli sauce contaminated with Sudan I.

Detective work thwarts illegal spice imports Thursday 11 December 2003 Good detective work by Food Standards Agency investigators has helped foil an attempt by an Indian spice company to breach a ban on it exporting contaminated chilli powder.

'May contain' consultation launched Tuesday 9 December 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today launching a consultation on the use of alternative phrases to 'may contain' on food labels.

Tidings of hygiene and joy Monday 8 December 2003 A fun e-card sent out by Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland is a new take on a favourite Christmas carol to highlight the dangers of poor food safety and hygiene.

Food Labelling Forum: 21 January 2004 Thursday 4 December 2003 The latest developments in food labelling will be under the spotlight when the Food Labelling Forum holds its next meeting on Wednesday 21 January 2004, in central London.

Next stop for the Cooking Bus Wednesday 3 December 2003 More than 20 schools have already registered to apply for a visit from the Agency's Cooking Bus.

Cow & Gate product recall Tuesday 2 December 2003 Cow & Gate has recalled a batch of 125g packets of its dried baby meal product Cheese and Tomato Bake after complaints that some were contaminated with mouse droppings.

Restaurants get Eat Safe awards Friday 28 November 2003 Twenty restaurants from across Northern Ireland have been presented with the Eat Safe Award. The scheme, set up by FSA Northern Ireland, means that when you see the Eat Safe logo or certificate, the food you are eating has been prepared in conditions that are above those required by current legislation.

Keep cool this Christmas Friday 28 November 2003 A nine-year-old pupil from Fisherford School, Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire, has won a nationwide competition to design Food Standards Agency Scotland's Christmas card with a design captioned 'Keep Cool This Christmas.' Hayley Dawson's winning design shows a snowman as a fridge, spelling out a seasonal food safety message.

Reigning national curry chef wins again Thursday 27 November 2003 Chad Rahman, chef at the Mumtaj Restaurant in St Albans, Hertfordshire (and pictured left with Agency Board member Chrissie Dunn), has triumphed in culinary combat to carry off the title CIEH-FSA National Curry Chef 2003. This is a unique and coveted prize in the Asian restaurant trade, awarded to the chef who can demonstrate that they are not only a currytastic cook, but also hot on hygiene.

Sudan I in brand of frozen samosas and spring rolls Thursday 27 November 2003 The Agency has issued a Category B food hazard warning (FHW) after illegal dye Sudan I was found in Maysum brand frozen samosas and spring rolls, sold in Asian/Indian retail outlets in the north of England and London.

Portsmouth City Council audit published Thursday 27 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on Portsmouth City Council's food hygiene, food standards and feedingstuffs law enforcement service.

FSA Wales rewards local food schemes Thursday 27 November 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales is to launch an exciting new award scheme to recognise individual or team contributions to local nutrition initiatives that have made a positive impact on the diet or eating habits of residents in the communities they serve.

Curry factfile Thursday 27 November 2003 A curry can be defined as a dish made with spices, cooked in oil with a sauce made from puréed onions, garlic and ginger.

Academic panel examines food promotion and children reviews Wednesday 26 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency recently convened an independent panel of experts to examine two reviews of research into food promotion and children, and the outcome of their discussions has now been published.

Agency updates warning about illegal food colour in chilli pickle product Tuesday 25 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency has updated its warning about illegal food colouring Sudan I being found in Pran Naga Chilli Pickle Extra Hot after a second importer of the product was identified.

Second update on EU negotiations on food and feed regulations Tuesday 25 November 2003 European Commission proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on official feed and food controls – update on negotiations

Agency Cooking Bus hits the road Friday 21 November 2003 Minister for Public Health Melanie Johnson, and Food Standards Agency Deputy Chair, Julia Unwin, are today getting on board the Food Standards Agency's new Cooking Bus.

Agency joins forces with Focus on Food Friday 21 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency has developed its Cooking Bus in partnership with the Focus on Food Campaign to pursue the common objective of raising food standards, particularly to promote healthy eating and improve food hygiene.

Cooking Bus factfile Friday 21 November 2003 As the Cooking Bus hits the road, it is notching up some impressive statistics.

How to book the bus Friday 21 November 2003 Schools can apply to book the Cooking Bus by registering with Focus on Food, the organisation with which the Agency runs the bus.

Map Tandoori Masala Thursday 20 November 2003 The Agency has issued a Category C Food Hazard Warning in relation to Sudan I contamination of Map Tandoori Masala spice mix. The company has undertaken a trade withdrawal of affected products in 100g, 400g and 1kg packets with a best before date of end March 2004.

Bad Food Live! with Richie and Bernard Monday 17 November 2003 Richie Twist and Bernard Le Blanc will be showing you how not to cook when they hit the stage with their Bad Food Live! show at this year's BBC Good Food Show, taking place in Birmingham from 27-30 November.

Novel food applications Friday 14 November 2003 Two applications for novel foods have been received by the Food Standards Agency to be assessed by the independent scientific committee, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

Board Meeting update November 2003 Friday 14 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency held an open Board Meeting on 13 November 2003 in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Latest views – from FSA News Friday 14 November 2003 The latest issue of FSA News has been published and is available online on the Agency's website.

Update on counterfeit vodka Friday 14 November 2003 A new food hazard warning about counterfeit vodka is being issued today by the Food Standards Agency.

Newcastle Board Meeting live online now... Thursday 13 November 2003 The Agency's Open Board Meeting in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in now being webcast live over the Internet.

George Scott Robertson Memorial Lecture Thursday 13 November 2003 Speech given by Sir John Krebs, Chair of the Food Standards Agency at Queen's University, Belfast, on 5 November 2003

Food supplements nutrient source dossiers: meeting with EFSA Thursday 13 November 2003 The Agency's Food Labelling and Standards Division has updated stakeholders about the outcome of a meeting with European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) representatives to discuss food supplements nutrient source dossiers.

Favourit seasonings and Sudan I: Northern Ireland udpate Thursday 13 November 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has issued a Category B Food Hazard warning relating to updated information about the presence of illegal dye Sudan I in certain Favourit seasoning products.

Soya-based infant formula recalled in Israel Tuesday 11 November 2003 Parents are being advised about a kosher infant formula feed that has been recalled in Israel following the death of three babies.

Ad hoc call for shellfish research Tuesday 11 November 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) is calling for research proposals to sample and analyse shellfish for chemical pollutants.

South Wales groups win healthy eating grants Monday 10 November 2003 Twenty community, charity and voluntary groups working with the elderly, including one in Cardiff and another in Barry, have won funding for healthy eating events from Food Standards Agency Wales.

Methanol found in counterfeit Kirov vodka Monday 10 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency is renewing its health warning about counterfeit vodka contaminated with methanol after more illegal spirits were found on sale. Tests last month on counterfeit bottles of Kirov Vodka, seized by Customs and Excise from an off-licence in Sidcup, Kent, showed they contained unacceptably high levels of methanol.

Flintshire to face audit Monday 10 November 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales is to undertake an audit of Flintshire County Council's food law enforcement activities. The audit, which will begin on 11 November 2003, will allow the Agency to compare the authority's performance against a UK-wide standard.

Promotion of food and children's diets Sunday 9 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published a discussion paper on possible options for action on the promotion of foods that could improve children's diets and health.

Spooky food bug hits the Street Friday 7 November 2003 Dumped by lover Cilla, Coronation Street's Les Battersby is nursing more than a broken heart after he and tenant Kirk Sutherland eat one of Fred Elliot's 'Dracula pies'. Both lovesick Les and Kirk suffer stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea and headaches and they suspect that Fred (pictured) and his pies are to blame.

Lidl withdraws brand of red wine Friday 7 November 2003 Supermarket chain Lidl has withdrawn some bottles of Australian Creston Bay Brand Cabernet Shiraz red wine from sale because of the high levels of sulphur dioxide in it.

Keep Well this Winter grants awarded Thursday 6 November 2003 As part of the Keep Well This Winter campaign in Wales, Food Standards Agency Wales has awarded 20 small grants to organisations to enable them to provide information and support on healthy eating to people aged 65 and over.

Naga Pran chilli pickle containing Sudan I Thursday 6 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency today warned that a brand of chilli pickle sold in the UK contains chilli contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I.

Grants set for Scottish food hygiene initiatives Thursday 6 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) has set aside £70,000 to support key food hygiene initiatives.

Date set for new GM food regulation Thursday 6 November 2003 From April 2004 new rules on labelling genetically modified food will come into effect throughout the European Union.

Fighting Fund information Wednesday 5 November 2003 Decisions on resourcing for enforcement activity are a matter for local authorities, however, it is acknowledged that some local authorities have to deal with cases with unexpected resource implications.

Barnsley audit published Monday 3 November 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in Food Standards Team of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council.

Westminster Diet and Health Forum nutrition and education policy seminar Friday 31 October 2003 Speech given by Julia Unwin, Deputy Chair of the Food Standards Agency, on 30 October 2003.

Warning on venison Friday 31 October 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland is reminding those involved in handling and marketing venison about ensuring the meat is suitable for people to eat.

Booths brand smoked mackerel Friday 31 October 2003 The Agency is advising people against eating spoiled smoked mackerel which has been on sale in a chain of supermarkets in north-west England.

Microbiology specialists needed Thursday 30 October 2003 The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food is looking for a new Chair and two specialist members. The ACMSF is an independent expert committee which advises the Food Standards Agency on the microbiological safety of food.

Curry chefs take London-Midland line to national final Thursday 30 October 2003 Binu Raj and Zunu Miah have beaten off stiff competition to scoop the last two places in the national CIEH-FSA Curry Chef 2003 final.

MHS Annual Report and Accounts 2002/03 Wednesday 29 October 2003 The eighth Annual Report and audited Accounts of the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) has been published and is now available online. The MHS is an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency.

New COT working group Wednesday 29 October 2003 A new working group has been set up by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment to investigate how people's bodies respond differently to chemicals in food and how this might be reflected in assessing risk.

Sudan I and Natco Tandoori Masala spice mix Wednesday 29 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency today warned that some batches of Natco Tandoori Masala have been withdrawn from sale after it was discovered that they contain chilli powder contaminated with the illegal dye Sudan I.

Countdown to curry final Monday 27 October 2003 With just a month to go before the national final, top curry chefs are getting ready to do battle for the title of CIEH-FSA Curry Chef of the Year 2003.

Salmonella and tahini update Friday 24 October 2003 People are being warned not to eat a brand of tahini, a savoury paste made from ground sesame seeds, after tests showed it may be contaminated with salmonella.

Mutti SPA Brand Sugo Piu Peperoncino Sauce Thursday 23 October 2003 Illegal dye Sudan I has been found in 290g jars of Mutti SPA brand of Sugo Piu Al Peperoncino pasta sauce. The Food Standards Agency has issued a Category C Food Hazard Warning (FHW) to local authority enforcement officers and the company have withdrawn the affected product.

Drugged venison update Wednesday 22 October 2003 The Agency has issued a follow-up warning about eating venison products containing meat contaminated with the drugs Immobilon and Revivon. The new warning has been issued because further information has come to light about the distribution of potentially-affected products.

Potatoes get their chips Tuesday 21 October 2003 A survey being carried out by the Food Standards Agency is finding that people are not always getting the type or quality of potato they are paying for.

Pupils shun healthier lunch options Tuesday 21 October 2003 Research into school meals published by Food Standards Agency Wales shows that despite fruit and vegetables being more readily available, pupils have not yet begun to choose them.

Scottish schools compete for Christmas number one Monday 20 October 2003 All Scottish primary schools have been invited to take part in a competition to design Food Standards Agency Scotland's Christmas card, which will be distributed to hundreds of addresses throughout Scotland this December.

Warning on eating drugged venison Thursday 16 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency is advising people not to eat venison they may have bought in August and September from a number of shops, mainly in Perthshire, Scotland. This is because the meat may have come from red deer tranquillised with drugs that are not legal for use on animals that people may eat.

Update on semicarbazide in glass jars Tuesday 14 October 2003 Following an initial alert in July 2003, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has now updated its scientific view on the finding of a chemical – semicarbazide – in some jars of food. The Food Standards Agency attended a meeting of European Member States yesterday to discuss the most up-to-date information and action required.

Middlesbrough curry chef wins regional heat Tuesday 14 October 2003 Mohammed Sultan of The Masala Restaurant, Middlesbrough, has beaten off stiff competition to scoop the title North Curry Chef 2003, at the regional final held in Sunderland. The competition is organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Food safety in focus with FSA News Friday 10 October 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency's newsletter, FSA News, has been published and is available online.

Spar Chilli Con Carne 392g Friday 10 October 2003 Spar (UK) Ltd has issued a product recall of its 392g cans of Chilli Con Carne, due to contamination of one of the ingredients with the illegal dye Sudan I.

Plastics migration within safety limits Friday 10 October 2003 A Food Standards Agency survey to find out whether chemicals from plastics in contact with food are getting into the food has found no instances of the chemicals exceeding legal safety limits.

Rochdale curry chef wins regional heat Thursday 9 October 2003 Farooq Ahmed, of the Veenas Restaurant in Rochdale, has scooped the title of CIEH-FSA North-West Curry Chef 2003 at the north-west regional heat of the national Curry Chef Competition. The competition is organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Latest research requirements Thursday 9 October 2003 Details of the Food Standards Agency's requirements for new research have been published.

Agency issues food hazard warning on tahini contaminated with salmonella Wednesday 8 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency is warning the public not to eat a brand of tahini, after tests found that the product might be contaminated with salmonella.

Consumer Attitudes Survey 2002: summary for enforcement officers Wednesday 8 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency carries out an annual survey of consumer attitudes towards food safety and food standards. A summary document has been produced of the main food labelling and standards issues identified in the 2002 report.

Bacardi drink recall Wednesday 8 October 2003 Bacardi-Martini are withdrawing 70cl bottles of Bacardi Breezer and Coomira Coast from the market.

ACNFP open meeting Wednesday 8 October 2003 The Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes is holding an open meeting in London on 19 November 2003.

Netto Ltd Chilli Con Carne in 392g cans Tuesday 7 October 2003 Netto Ltd has issued a product recall of its 392g cans of Chilli Con Carne, due to contamination of one of the ingredients with the illegal dye Sudan I. The product was manufactured by Glenbrook Foods Ltd, Portadown, Craigavon Northern Ireland.

Food hazard warnings issued on tinned chicken curry and chilli con carne Monday 6 October 2003 Further food hazard warnings have been issued today by the Food Standards Agency as part of its continuing investigation into products on the UK market containing the chemical dye Sudan I.

Brent audit published Monday 6 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency today published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Environmental Health Service Unit of the London Borough of Brent.

Morrisons canned chicken tikka masala Friday 3 October 2003 Supermarket chain Morrisons has issued a product recall relating to 392g cans of own-brand chicken tikka masala after an ingredient was found to be contaminated with illegal dye Sudan I. The Agency has responded by sending out a Category D Food Hazard Warning.

Moray and Borders audited Friday 3 October 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland has published two final audit reports for Moray and Borders Councils.

Khan Quality Foods Friday 3 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing further warnings today as a part of its continuing investigation into products on the UK market containing the chemical dye Sudan I.

Consulting on MHS performance targets Friday 3 October 2003 The Agency is consulting on proposed performance targets for the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) 2004/5.

The heat is on for North-West curry chefs Thursday 2 October 2003 Top curry chefs from around the North-West will be sharpening their food hygiene knowledge, as well as their knives, as they prepare to do battle for the title of 'North West Curry Chef of the Year 2003'.

Views sought on new salt model Thursday 2 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency has developed a model to look at the effects of reducing the average salt content of different food groups on the population's salt intake.

Tenders sought for food projects Thursday 2 October 2003 The Agency's Food Chain Strategy Division is inviting tenders for three consultancy projects. One project relates to the safety of new food processing techniques and the other two to disinfectants.

Sammy's Easy Cook Zesty Lemon and Coriander Couscous Thursday 2 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued a further Food Hazard Warning as a results of investigations into products on the UK market that may contain the chemical dye Sudan I.

Agency publishes reports on testing of UK shellfish for toxins Thursday 2 October 2003 The Food Standards Agency has today published two reports on the testing of UK shellfish for toxins. A series of actions have been agreed in relation to testing, notably standardising procedures between the three laboratories undertaking this work.

Dragon Brand and O'Kane Food Service curry sauce Wednesday 1 October 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has issued a further Food Hazard Warning as a result of its investigation into products on the UK market that may contain the chemical dye Sudan I.

Imported food information online Tuesday 30 September 2003 Bringing food into the UK? Then check out our new section on imported foods. You'll find information about what can be imported for personal use and how the safety and standards of imported food are controlled. There's also information for local authority enforcement teams, a feedback section, plus pages on specific foods such as cakes and sweets, spices, meat, dairy and fish products.

Updated Food Hazard Warning on Favourit seasonings Tuesday 30 September 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has issued a follow-up Food Hazard Warning (FHW) relating to the presence of illegal dye Sudan I in Favourit brand products. Its original FHW was issued on 17 September 2003.

Medway curry chef wins regional heat Monday 29 September 2003 Jamal Uddin Ahmed, chef at the Shozna Indian Cuisine, Strood, Medway, has won the South East regional heat of the National Curry Chef Competition 2003. The competition is organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Kent audit report published Monday 29 September 2003 The Food Standards Agency today published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Trading Standards Division of Kent County Council.

Agency Chair delivers Wooldridge Lecture Monday 29 September 2003 The Wooldridge Lecture on food safety and animal disease was delivered by Food Standards Agency Chair Sir John Krebs on 26 September 2003.

Salmonella contamination of Lebanese tahini Friday 26 September 2003 Following a programme of sampling, a brand of tahini has been found to test positive for salmonella. The brand of tahini affected is manufactured in Lebanon by S. H. Yaman and Sons. The Agency has responded by issuing a Category C Food Hazard Warning.

More contaminated maize meal products withdrawn from sale Friday 26 September 2003 Ten maize meal products have been voluntarily withdrawn from sale in the UK after tests showed that they contained high levels of toxins called fumonisins. These naturally occurring chemicals are produced by a mould that can grow on maize in the field.

Denbighshire County Council audit report published Friday 26 September 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Public Protection and Regulatory Services Section of Denbighshire County Council.

Danfood Ltd recalls Spinnaker soups Friday 26 September 2003 Danfood Ltd has recalled two varieties of Spinnaker soup in 400g cans due to microbial post process-contamination with Bacillus cereus. The products were manufactured by Munkebo Seafood A/S, Denmark. The Food Standards Agency has responded by issuing a category D Food Hazard Warning.

Promotion of foods to children review published Thursday 25 September 2003 A review of research examining the way foods are promoted to children, and the possible link between promotional activity and child eating patterns, is published by the Food Standards Agency today.

Honey guidance published Wednesday 24 September 2003 Guidance Notes to accompany new honey regulations have been published by the Food Standards Agency. The new regulations come into force in England on 25 September 2003.

Wycombe curry chef wins regional heat Wednesday 24 September 2003 Mohammed Sabuz Patwary, chef at the Bombay Palace, High Wycombe, has won the East and Northern Home Counties Regional heat of the National Curry Chef Competition 2003. The competition is organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

ASDA chinese chicken curry recalled Wednesday 24 September 2003 Supermarket chain ASDA has issued a product recall in relation to its own-brand of Chinese Chicken Curry With Egg Fried Rice due to contamination with the illegal dye Sudan I. The Agency has responded by issuing a Category D Food Hazard Warning.

Promotion of foods to children report to be published Tuesday 23 September 2003 The most comprehensive review of the issues around the promotion of food to children is to be published later this week by the Food Standards Agency.

New online tool for food law enforcers Tuesday 23 September 2003 A new website portal to support the UK's food law enforcers has been launched by the Food Standards Agency today. The new portal includes quick links to food hazard warnings and local authority audit reports, enforcement data, as well as all the latest news.

Atkins diet Monday 22 September 2003 The Food Standards Agency has not issued an official health warning about the Atkins diet. The Agency's advice is to eat a healthy balanced diet, which should include carbohydrates.

VPC hosts open forum Monday 22 September 2003 The Veterinary Products Committee is holding its fourth open forum in London.

South-East curry chefs battle it out Monday 22 September 2003 Top curry chefs from around the South East of England will be sharpening their food hygiene knowledge, as well as their knives, as they prepare to do battle for the title of 'South East Curry Chef of the Year 2003'.

Brain Licker alert issued Monday 22 September 2003 The Agency has issued a follow-up Category D Food Hazard Warning (FHW) in relation to liquid novelty sweet Brain Licker. A FHW was issued in May 2003 after several complaints to local authorities suggesting that children may have suffered burns to their mouths from them. The latest FHW is an update for stakeholders.

Advice on on-farm feeding published Monday 22 September 2003 The Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs is today publishing its review of feeding practice on farms. The report makes a series of recommendations on best practice in supplying, transporting, storing and using feeds.

Guernsey chef wins curry competition regional heat Friday 19 September 2003 Guernsey chef Robin Gomes has won the Wales and the West of England regional heat of the National Curry Chef Competition 2003. The competition is organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Morrisons soup product recall Friday 19 September 2003 Supermarket chain Morrisons has issued a product recall in national newspapers relating to a canning fault in four own-brand soup varieties. The Agency has also issued a Category D Food Hazard Warning.

Agency consults on organic research Wednesday 17 September 2003 Views on proposals for research into organically produced food are being sought by the Food Standards Agency. The aim is to identify areas of study most likely to produce information that would be useful to people when they buy food.

Annual research meeting announced Wednesday 17 September 2003 The provisional programme for the Food Standards Agency's second annual open meeting on research has just been announced.

Eat Safe awards presented in Northern Ireland Wednesday 17 September 2003 Restaurants in Newry, Lisburn and Belfast have been presented with FSA Northern Ireland’s first Eat Safe awards.

Sudan I alert issued in Northern Ireland Wednesday 17 September 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has issued a further food hazard warning as a result of its investigation into products on the UK market that may contain the chemical dye Sudan I.

New appointment to the COT Wednesday 17 September 2003 A new non-specialist member has been appointed to the COT.

Lewisham audit report published Wednesday 17 September 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Environmental Health Commercial Division of the London Borough of Lewisham.

COT vacancies Wednesday 17 September 2003 Applications are sought to fill a number of vacancies that will arise for specialist members on the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) from 1 April 2004.

National curry chef competition hots up Tuesday 16 September 2003 The quest to find the best curry chef in the land has begun. This year's National Curry Chef Competition, organised jointly by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), is underway with local heats taking place across England and Wales.

Update on konjac sweets warning Tuesday 16 September 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today renewing its warning that children should not eat mini fruit jelly sweets containing konjac after two of these illegal products were found on sale in the UK.

Metals in infant foods no cause for concern Monday 15 September 2003 Levels of metals found in commercial baby foods and infant formula raise no health concerns, a Food Standards Agency survey reveals.

Board Meeting update September 2003 Friday 12 September 2003 More than 80 people attended the Food Standards Agency Open Board Meeting held at the Congress Centre in London on 11 September 2003.

Communications data Friday 12 September 2003 The Home Secretary laid an Order in Parliament on 11 September 2003 which, if approved, will give the FSA (and other listed public authorities) access to communications data within the regime established by the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Agency issues further chilli product warnings Thursday 11 September 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued three food hazard warnings on products containing seasoning, spices and curry powder, as a result of its investigations into food sold on the UK market that may contain the chemical dye Sudan I.

Testing time for nutrition labels Wednesday 10 September 2003 Consumers agree that it is important to have nutrition information on food products, but as many as one in four admit to finding it difficult to obtain information from labels, according to research from the Food Standards Agency.

Contaminated maize meal withdrawn from sale Wednesday 10 September 2003 Two batches of maize meal have been voluntarily withdrawn from sale after tests showed that they contained unusually high levels of fumonisins, a group of undesirable chemicals known as mycotoxins.

Meat product guidance notes Monday 8 September 2003 Guidance notes on new meat product labelling regulations have been published by the Food Standards Agency.

Keep updated with FSA News Friday 5 September 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency's newsletter, FSA News, has been published and is available online.

Algal toxin monitoring programme reports get a redesign Friday 5 September 2003 Weekly reports from the algal toxin monitoring programme in Scotland have been redesigned to make the most up-to-date information easier to interpret.

Tribunal re-appointments Thursday 4 September 2003 Chair of the Food Standards Agency Sir John Krebs has re-appointed Rosy Amin-Mannion and Geoffrey Pettigrew to serve respectively as the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Meat Hygiene Appeals Tribunal for a further year.

Too much salt in sausages Wednesday 3 September 2003 A new survey carried out by the Food Standards Agency reveals today that standard pork sausages on sale in the UK contain more salt now than they did 12 years ago.

Open meeting on water added to chicken Tuesday 2 September 2003 A wide range of representatives from industry and consumer organisations gathered at the Agency's recent open meeting to discuss issues surrounding the practice of adding water and hydrolysed proteins to chicken products.

School lunchboxes survey reveals high levels of fat, salt and sugar Monday 1 September 2003 A new UK survey by the Food Standards Agency reveals today that 9 out of 10 children's school lunchboxes contain food that is too high in saturated fat, salt and sugar.

More lunchbox suggestions Monday 1 September 2003 To help you pack a healthy balanced lunch for your child, a whole month of lunchbox ideas have been carefully put together to make sure they balance over the week for energy, total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, protein, salt and sugar.

Lunchboxes factfile Monday 1 September 2003 More than 5.5 billion lunchboxes are packed for children each year in the UK according to Mintel (2002). Of the children who took part in the Agency's lunchbox survey, four out of five had a packed lunch every day of the week.

Illegal chemical dye found in chilli products in the UK Saturday 30 August 2003 The Food Standards Agency today warned that some food products sold in the UK have been found to contain chilli powder illegally contaminated with the dye Sudan I, a chemical that could cause cancer. The Agency and local authorities are working to ensure that these products are removed from sale.

Statement on outcome of Denby illegal meat trial Friday 29 August 2003 The Food Standards Agency today welcomed the convictions in the Denby illegal meat trial. The Agency worked closely with Derbyshire Police and Amber Valley Borough Council as part of this multi-agency operation into the diversion of unfit meat into the human food chain.

Chilli warning on pasta sauce Friday 29 August 2003 Some batches of a pasta sauce sold in the UK contain chilli powder contaminated with the chemical dye Sudan I, the Food Standards Agency warned today.

Wild rabbits survey at Dounreay Wednesday 27 August 2003 A survey carried out for the Food Standards Agency shows no evidence that wild rabbits from close to the Dounreay site in northern Scotland contain radioactive material from the solid low-level waste pits at the nuclear establishment.

Patulin not detected in cider Friday 22 August 2003 A survey has been carried out by the Agency on the occurrence of patulin in cider. Patulin is an undesirable chemical, known as a mycotoxin, which is produced by moulds that sometimes grow on apples.

Contaminated chilli products update Friday 22 August 2003 The Food Standards Agency today warned that more food products have been sold in the UK containing chilli powder illegally contaminated with the chemical dye Sudan I, which could cause cancer, although there is no immediate threat of illness.

Temporary FEPA order banning scallop fishing near Plymouth revoked Friday 22 August 2003 Important note: Following two consecutive negative samples, this order has now been revoked, and fishing is able to resume as from 22 August 2003.

Guidance on food assurance schemes Thursday 21 August 2003 The Agency has published best-practice guidance for food assurance schemes, with the aim of ensuring that schemes are run in an open and transparent way and provide consumers with clear information.

Foodstuffs control data published Thursday 21 August 2003 The latest round of food law enforcement data supplied by local authorities has been published by the Agency. The data covers topics such as the number of premises in each local authority area, and inspection and sampling rates.

Escolar fish Wednesday 20 August 2003 The Agency has received reports of mislabelling of the escolar fish species as sea bass or 'sea bass steaks.' But because of its heavy fat content, escolar can, if not prepared properly or if eaten in large quantities, have a laxative effect causing stomach cramps and diarrhoea. Grilling will tend to reduce the heavy fat content whereas battering will not.

Update on illegal dye Wednesday 20 August 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing a further Food Hazard Warning about contaminated chilli powder that contains an illegal dye called Sudan I.

Kraft product recall alert issued Friday 15 August 2003 The Agency has issued a Category D Food Hazard Warning in relation to Kraft Dairylea Lunchable Stack 'Ems after small fragments of wire were found within some of the cracker biscuits.

Jam consultation launched Thursday 14 August 2003 A consultation on new regulations specifying minimum fruit and sugar content for jams, jellies, marmalades and sweetened chestnut purée, has been launched by Food Standards Agency Scotland. The consultation on the Jam and Similar Products (Scotland) Regulations 2003 runs until 6 November 2003.

Seeking views on mineral water proposals Wednesday 13 August 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland is consulting on planned changes to mineral water and spring water regulations set to come into force in EU Member states by December 2003. A separate consultation has been issued for England.

Food Hygiene Mission Control Tuesday 12 August 2003 If you're aged between seven and 14, check out our interactive Food Hygiene Mission Control website to get the lowdown on food bugs and how to banish them from your kitchen.

Sudan I food alert issued Tuesday 12 August 2003 The Agency has issued a Category B Food Hazard Warning in relation to certain Rajah brand seasoning mixes imported from India that contain the illegal dye Sudan I.

Panto food fun at the Anglesey Show Friday 8 August 2003 Cinderella, the Ugly Sister and the Fairy Godmother will be battling against 'Mr E' (E-Coli), 'Liz' (Listeria) 'Sal' (Salmonella) in their Wacky Kitchen every day of the Anglesey Show 2003, as the Food Standards Agency Wales brings its unique mix of food hygiene and healthy eating advice to Gwalchmai.

New ACAF members appointed Friday 8 August 2003 Food Standards Agency Chair Sir John Krebs has announced the appointment of Diane McCrea, Dr Colin Stewart and Marcus Themans as new members of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF). These new members' terms of office will run for three years from 1 September 2003.

Welsh Food Advisory Committee open meeting 4 September 2003 Thursday 7 August 2003 The next open meeting of the Welsh Food Advisory Committee will be held at The Muller Hall, The All Nations Centre, Sackville Avenue, Heath, Cardiff on Tuesday 4 September 2003.

Regulatory Impact Assessments published Thursday 7 August 2003 The Agency has published three Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) relating to new regulations in England on contaminants, sugar products and feedingstuffs. RIAs are a policy tools which assess the impact in terms of costs, benefits and risks of a proposed regulation which could affect businesses, charities or the voluntary sector.

Imported food audits Thursday 7 August 2003 Ten local and port health authorities are to be audited as part of the Agency's drive to improve food safety. The audits, taking place between September and December 2003, will look at how enforcement officers carry out their UK food law enforcement responsibilities.

New chair for ACNFP Monday 4 August 2003 A new chair has been appointed to the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP), the Food Standards Agency announced today. Professor Mike Gasson will take up the position on 1 September 2003, succeeding Professor Janet Bainbridge who retires on 30 August 2003.

EC amends rules on fig and nut imports Friday 1 August 2003 The European Commission has reviewed the measures it has taken to ensure aflatoxin-contaminated Chinese peanuts, Iranian pistachios and Turkish figs, pistachios and hazelnuts do not enter the European Union.

Guidance issued on new chocolate regulations Friday 1 August 2003 Detailed guidance notes to accompany new Cocoa and Chocolate Product Regulations have been published by the Food Standards Agency.

Pesticides risk assessment consultation launched Thursday 31 July 2003 A draft action plan on the risk assessment of mixtures of pesticides and similar substances has been published for consultation by the Food Standards Agency.

Seeking views on nutrition and health claim proposals Wednesday 30 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency is consulting on a European Commission proposal to regulate nutrition and health claims on food labels.

Agency informed about possible chemical findings in jarred foods Tuesday 29 July 2003 The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the food industry have alerted EU Member States to possible findings of semicarbazide, a chemical that may cause cancer, in some foods sold in jars.

Healthy eating funding bids for older people sought Tuesday 29 July 2003 Community and voluntary groups working with the elderly - particularly those involved with vulnerable groups and the socially and economically disadvantaged - are being invited to apply for funding from the Food Standards Agency Wales.

Farmed salmon studies Wednesday 23 July 2003 The results of work undertaken by both the Food Standards Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to check for radioactivity in farmed salmon from Scotland and Northern Ireland show that there is no cause for concern from eating these fish.

Agency publishes feasibility study on monitoring novel foods Wednesday 23 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today publishing research by Imperial College looking into the feasibility of monitoring the buying and eating of novel foods, including GM.

'Gimme 5!' at the Royal Welsh Show Tuesday 22 July 2003 Welsh Assembly First Minister Rhodri Morgan has launched a CD-ROM at this year's Royal Welsh Show to encourage young people to eat more fruit and veg.

Less dioxins in diet Friday 18 July 2003 People are taking in less dioxins and related chemicals from their food, a Food Standards Agency survey has shown.

Getting to grips with grub Friday 18 July 2003 'Getting to grips with grub' attempts to identify for the first time the knowledge and skills 14 to 16 year olds need to help them eat a healthy balanced diet. The joint consultation document from the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), has been issued today.

GM food debate report goes to minister Thursday 17 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency has submitted its report on the Agency’s activities on GM food to Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett.

Agency gets new Deputy Chair Monday 14 July 2003 It was announced today that Julia Unwin OBE will join the Food Standards Agency as its new Deputy Chair.

Aflatoxins in Brazil nuts Monday 14 July 2003 The European Commission has introduced additional measures to prevent Brazil nuts contaminated with unacceptable levels of aflatoxins from entering the European Union (EU).

Fruit juice and sugars guidance notes published Monday 14 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published guidance notes covering two sets of regulations on fruit juices and fruit nectars and sugar products.

Agency consults on sweeteners directive Friday 11 July 2003 The Agency is consulting on a partial Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) on a proposal from the European Commission to amend European and Council Directive 94/35/EC on sweeteners for use in foods. RIAs are policy tools which assess the impact of a proposed regulation in terms of costs, benefits and risks which could affect businesses, charities or the voluntary sector.

Board meeting update July 2003 Friday 11 July 2003 More than 100 people attended the Food Standards Agency Open Board Meeting in London on 10 July 2003. The live webcast of the event, held at Kensington Town Hall, was watched from 1400 computers (the highest number ever), and more than 50 questions were emailed to the Board.

Two National Diet and Nutrition Surveys published Thursday 10 July 2003 Volumes 2 and 3 of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) have been published today. Commissioned by the Food Standards Agency and the Department of Health, the NDNS survey is a national sample of adults aged 19 to 64 years.

'Catering for health' evaluated Thursday 10 July 2003 An evaluation of 'Catering for health', a guide for teaching healthier catering practices, carried out for the Food Standards Agency is published today.

Agency recommends Ministers replace OTM rule with BSE testing Thursday 10 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency Board have agreed to recommend to Ministers that it would be acceptable on public health grounds to replace the Over Thirty Month (OTM) rule with BSE testing of cattle older than thirty months in two stages.

Bids sought for nutrition in schools inspections Wednesday 9 July 2003 The Agency is looking for nutritionists interested in putting together small teams to inspect schools around the country as part of a joint Agency/Department for Education and Skills (DfES) initiative.

Conspicuous consumption in FSA News Wednesday 9 July 2003 The monthly newsletter FSA News marks its 30th edition this month with an eight-page supplement on the Agency's consumer-related activities.

Agency publishes Allerdale audit report Wednesday 9 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Environmental Health Unit’s Food and Occupational Health Team of Allerdale Borough Council.

Choking hazard from banned sweets Tuesday 8 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today renewing its warning that children should not eat mini cup jelly sweets containing konjac after two of these illegal products were found on sale in the UK.

FSA Board to consider replacement of OTM rule Monday 7 July 2003 The Food Standards Agency Board will consider recommendations to replace the over thirty months (OTM) rule with BSE testing, at its meeting on Thursday 10 July 2003.

Approval sought for Chia seed Friday 4 July 2003 The Agency has received an application to approve whole and ground Chia seed as a new or novel food. Chia (Salvia hispanica L) is a summer annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family.

Young consumers win top prize Wednesday 2 July 2003 A team from St Albans RC High School, Torfaen, Wales, beat stiff competition from around the UK to lift top prize in this year's Young Consumers of the Year quiz. The event is co-sponsored by the Food Standards Agency.

Avoiding the unexpected caffeine buzz Monday 30 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency is seeking views on new labelling rules that will alert consumers to high levels of caffeine in some drinks.

Reporting limits for nitrofuran and chloramphenicol residues harmonised Monday 30 June 2003 The Agency announced today that following clarification by the European Commission (EC), the UK is bringing the reporting limit for nitrofuran residues into line with the limit used by other European Member States.

Open Board Meeting 10 July 2003 Friday 27 June 2003 The Agency's next Open Board Meeting is being held on 10 July 2003. You can attend the event, which is being held at Kensington Town Hall, Horton St, London, W8 7NX. The meeting, which begins at 9.30am, will also be webcast live over the Internet.

Proposed regulations regarding baby and infant food Thursday 26 June 2003 The Agency has issued a consultation on two draft regulations that affect food for babies and infants

New counterfeit vodka warning Wednesday 25 June 2003 The Agency is updating its health warning about methanol-contaminated counterfeit vodka. Four cases of S. Petersbourg vodka were seized from off-licences in the Holloway area of north London, last week. More than a dozen bottles of the same vodka, some labelled as St. Petersburg vodka, were seized from off-licences in the Waltham Forest area of north London in an earlier raid.

BSE risk in ox tongue very small Tuesday 24 June 2003 The Government's advisory committee on BSE agreed today that although there are some uncertainties, the risk of BSE in ox tongue is very small. The Agency is therefore not advising against eating ox tongue.

New EC proposals on animal feed hygiene Tuesday 24 June 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland has issued a consultation on the new EC proposals laying down requirements for animal feed hygiene.

Food Standards Agency statement regarding research into the safety of genetically modified food Tuesday 24 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency commissioned and published a series of five research projects on the safety of GM foods in July 2002. All the completed studies were published on the Agency website, and four of the five pieces of research were also published in scientific journals.

Draft Diet and Nutrition Strategy for FSA Scotland Monday 23 June 2003 FSA Scotland is seeking comments on its draft Diet and Nutrition Strategy. The strategy fully supports the Agency's nutrition objectives while complementing activities of partners in taking forward the recommendations of the Scottish Diet Action Plan.

Agency responds to radioactivity in farmed salmon survey Monday 23 June 2003 People would need to eat 700 portions of salmon a day for a year to reach the annual permitted EU radiation dose, the Food Standards Agency said today. The Agency was responding to a survey, commissioned by Greenpeace, which found radioactive traces of Technetium-99 (Tc-99) in farmed salmon sold in leading supermarkets.

Report published on checks on labelling of GM foods Friday 20 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today publishing a UK report to the European Commission on the EC co-ordinated programme of checks on the labelling of genetically modified foods.

FSA Northern Ireland reviews local authority audit programme Friday 20 June 2003 A report drawing together the results of the first year of Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland's local authority audit programme is published today. The report includes evidence that the councils audited were found to be providing a good level of public protection, through the delivery of balanced and effective food law enforcement services, including rapid response to alerts and complaints.

Statement on Pan Pharmaceuticals products Friday 20 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency is today updating information on products made by the Australian company Pan Pharmaceuticals, some of which have been on sale in the UK. The company, which made food supplements, herbal products and medicines, had its manufacturing licence suspended by the Australian authorities due to a series of serious safety and quality control breaches.

Crackdown on water in chicken scam Thursday 19 June 2003 New proposals from the Food Standards Agency to the European Commission recommend a cap on the amount of water that may be added to chicken, plus a ban on adding non-chicken proteins (such as beef and pork).

Enforcement officers offered training on meat product labelling Thursday 19 June 2003 On 8 July, the Agency will be hosting a training seminar for local authority enforcement officers, on the forthcoming rule changes relating to the labelling of meat products.

Miscellaneous Food Additives (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003 Wednesday 18 June 2003 The Miscellaneous Food Additives (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003 No. 1008), came into force on 2nd May 2003.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) 31st Session, Ottawa, Canada Wednesday 18 June 2003 The report of the 31st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling has now been published and is available to view on the Codex website.

Alert over DNP 'fat burner' capsules Tuesday 17 June 2003 The Agency is issuing urgent advice about 'fat-burner' capsules containing DNP (2, 4-Dinitrophenol). The capsules are extremely dangerous to human health, according to independent toxicological experts.

Agency consults on campylobacter in chicken Tuesday 17 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency today publishes for consultation its strategy to tackle the problem of campylobacter in UK-produced chicken.

Opening up local knowledge Monday 16 June 2003 The Agency has published a list of food-related initiatives run by local authorities, so the public can find out what's happening in their area.

Board meeting update June 2003 Friday 13 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency Open Board meeting, held on 12 June in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was broadcast live on the Agency’s website and more than 500 people took the opportunity to view the meeting online.

New sweetener regulations come into force Wednesday 11 June 2003 New regulations giving a two-year temporary national authorisation to market a new sweetener, ‘salt of aspartame-acesulfame,’ came into force on 27 May 2003.

Call for proposals on nutrition research Wednesday 11 June 2003 The Agency's Nutrition Division is seeking proposals from potential contractors to undertake two reviews into local nutrition, diet and health initiatives. One review is to cover initiatives that involve and/or affect children and young people, and the other covers those in a leisure service setting.

High salt levels found in ready meals Tuesday 10 June 2003 A Food Standards Agency survey reveals today that many popular ready meals are very high in salt, with one meal in the sample containing 98.3% of a whole day's salt quota of 6 grams.

Salt in ready meals survey findings Tuesday 10 June 2003 The survey of salt in ready meals, carried out by NOP Field Marketing for the Food Standards Agency, included six types of ready meals on sale in most major supermarkets.

The ready meals market Tuesday 10 June 2003 The ready meals market has grown considerably in recent years. Total sales in the UK were valued at £1.78 billion in 2001, up 46% on 1997. Ready meals include: chilled (53% of the value of retail sales); frozen (40%); and room temperature (7%) – including instant hot snacks.

Eat Safe award launched in Northern Ireland Friday 6 June 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland (FSANI) has launched an Eat Safe Award scheme, to help consumers spot a spotless eating establishment – whether they go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Access all areas: A-Z of Agency contacts published in latest FSA News Friday 6 June 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency newsletter, FSA News, has been published and is available online.

Blaby audit published Thursday 5 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by officers in the Commercial Section of Blaby District Council.

Is organic food better for you? Wednesday 4 June 2003 Cheltenham Science Festival, Daily Telegraph Science Cafe, Cheltenham

Horsemeat for the high jump Wednesday 4 June 2003 The Food Standards Agency is to investigate exactly what goes into salamis and similar meat products being sold in the UK, to see whether they contain horse or donkey meat.

A taste of the Coronation Tuesday 3 June 2003 It's fifty years ago this week that the Queen was crowned in Westminster Abbey. On 2 June 1953, coronation chicken salad was served up at the Queen's Coronation lunch. Find out how our tastes have changed over the past half century in our special feature on Fifty years of food.

Consumer Committee's first open meeting Monday 2 June 2003 The first open meeting of the Consumer Committee will be held on Wednesday 18 June 2003 at the Food Standards Agency HQ, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London WC2B 6NH.

Fourth Amendment to Directive 95/2/EC Friday 30 May 2003 A Directive amending European Parliament and Council Directive 95/2/EC for the fourth time was adopted at the Council of Ministers (Competitiveness Council) on Monday 19 May 2003.

Public sector caterers asked to cut salt levels in food Thursday 29 May 2003 Public sector caterers, and their suppliers, are being asked to reduce the amount of salt used in their food production and supplies of processed foods.

Mansfield audit report published Wednesday 28 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by the officers of the Environmental Health Department’s Commercial Section of Mansfield District Council.

FSA Wales brings fairytale magic to food safety Friday 23 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency Wales is using a fun version of Cinderella to highlight the importance of food hygiene to children at Urdd Eisteddfod, the youth festival, this week.

OLR report of Citizen's Jury on GM now available Friday 23 May 2003 A detailed report of the Citizens' Jury on GM Food, which was carried out for the Food Standards Agency by Opinion Leader Research (OLR), has now been presented to the Agency by OLR.

Anglesey to be audited Thursday 22 May 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales is to audit Isle of Anglesey County Council’s food law enforcement activities. The audit, which will begin on 2 June 2003, will allow the Agency to compare the authority’s performance against a UK-wide standard.

Artificial colours in soft drinks survey shows 98% compliance Wednesday 21 May 2003 A Food Standards Agency survey of artificial colourings in soft drinks reveals that although 98% of the soft drinks tested did not contain any artificial colourings above the permitted limit, four had more than the maximum permitted level for individual artificial colours. Four also contained an artificial food colouring that was not listed on the ingredients label.

Fake vodka seizure leads to renewed health warning Wednesday 21 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency is renewing its warning to consumers about a fake brand of vodka after seven more bottles of it were seized from a London off-licence.

FSA water in chicken update May 2003 Tuesday 20 May 2003 Following surveys by the Food Standards Agency on the adding of water with proteins derived from pork and beef to chicken, the European Commission is to publish proposals to tighten the labelling laws on these products.

New food intolerance information goes live Tuesday 20 May 2003 Comprehensive new information on food intolerance, including food allergy, has launched today on the Food Standards Agency website.

Agency issues reminder to importers after GM seeds reach France Friday 16 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency has written to UK Trade Associations and importers of foods from countries that grow GM crops to remind them of their responsibility to carry out appropriate checks for the possible presence of non-EU authorised GM varieties in food produce imported into Europe.

New salt targets for children Thursday 15 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued salt intake targets for children for the first time. The advice is based on a new report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN).

Processed food challenge Thursday 15 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency and UK Health Departments have been in discussion with the food industry to try and ensure that steps are set out towards achieving targets in reductions of levels of salt in all processed foods.

Salt and health factfile Thursday 15 May 2003 Eating high amounts of salt is linked to high blood pressure (hypertension). Having high blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Agency to audit Blaenau Gwent Wednesday 14 May 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales is to undertake an audit of Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s food law enforcement activities. The audit, which will begin on 12 May 2003, will allow the Agency to compare the authority’s performance against a UK-wide standard.

Round-up of Agency initiatives in latest issue of FSA News Tuesday 13 May 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency newsletter, FSA News, has been published and is available online.

SRM finds in imported and domestic meat Tuesday 13 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency (FSA) today announced further findings of Specified Risk Material (SRM) in both imported (non-UK) and in domestic meat.

Brain Licker novelty sweet warning Monday 12 May 2003 Consumers are being warned about a possible risk to children from Brain Licker, a novelty sweet. Eight local authorities across the country have reported complaints about this product, which comes in a 60 ml container like a roll-on deodorant. Symptoms reported include blisters, burns and bleeding to the tongue and mouth.

Board Meeting update May 2003 Friday 9 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency Open Board Meeting, held on 8 May in Cardiff, was broadcast live on the Agency's website and more than 750 people took advantage of the opportunity to view it online.

Vitamins and minerals: getting the balance right Thursday 8 May 2003 Although many people choose to take supplements, usually you can get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet.

How the advice was produced Thursday 8 May 2003 The Agency's new advice on the safety of vitamins and minerals is the result of the most comprehensive review of the safety of vitamins and minerals ever undertaken in Europe.

Board discusses vitamin and mineral advice Thursday 8 May 2003 The FSA Board is today discussing a paper recommending voluntary action by the food supplements industry to reduce the dose and/or provide label warnings for some high dose supplements.

Current research needs published Thursday 8 May 2003 Details of the Food Standards Agency's requirements for new research have been published.

Code of practice for research launched Thursday 8 May 2003 Scientific contractors working for the Food Standards Agency will in future be asked to sign up to a code of practice designed to make sure publicly-funded research is of the highest standard.

New advice on safety of high doses of vitamins and minerals Wednesday 7 May 2003 New advice on vitamins and minerals that could have possible harmful effects if taken in too high a dose has been published by the Food Standards Agency.

Students take video views of GM food Tuesday 6 May 2003 A group of 14 and 15 year old media students from a north London comprehensive school have produced a short video about genetically modified foods.

Three local authority audit reports published Friday 2 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published audit reports of three local authorities - Lambeth, Aberdeenshire and East Dunbartonshire - as part of its ongoing programme to improve consumer protection and confidence in relation to food.

Report examines impact of phytoestrogens on health Thursday 1 May 2003 The independent scientific Committee on Toxicity (COT) has published a report on the possible health implications of phytoestrogens in our diet.

Drinks sweetener advice Thursday 1 May 2003 The Food Standards Agency is advising parents to give young children no more than three beakers (about 180ml each) a day of dilutable soft drinks, or squashes, containing the sweetener cyclamate.

Consumer representative needed Wednesday 30 April 2003 The independent Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs is looking for a consumer representative.

North Lanarkshire audited Tuesday 22 April 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland has published an audit report of North Lanarkshire Council as part of its ongoing programme to improve consumer protection and confidence in relation to food.

Novelty liquid sweets warning Thursday 17 April 2003 The Food Standards Agency is advising people not to eat three new varieties of novelty liquid sweets – Roll on King, Spray King, and Tuby Acid – manufactured by Spanish company King Regal. They have caused burns to the mouths of five Spanish children and other effects such as stinging sensation to lips and tongue, and irritation to taste buds.

Local food for local people Wednesday 16 April 2003 A working group set up to look at the local food sector across England – including farm and village shops, farmers' markets and community projects – has submitted its final report.

New members for COT Wednesday 16 April 2003 The Chair of the Food Standards Agency and the Chief Medical Officer have appointed three new specialist members to the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment.

Agency seeks comments on draft Honey (England) Regulations 2003 Tuesday 15 April 2003 The Agency is consulting on draft regulations that include requirements for honey to be labelled with country of origin. The regulations set out compositional standards that a product must comply with to be described as ‘honey’ and provide additional labelling requirements for these products.

Aberdeen audit published Tuesday 15 April 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland has published an audit report of Aberdeen City Council as part of its ongoing programme to improve consumer protection and confidence in relation to food.

Full GM jury video now online Friday 11 April 2003 The Food Standards Agency citizens' jury on GM food is now available to view as video-on-demand. There are links from the panel at the top of the screen or below.

Agency initiatives highlighted in latest FSA News Tuesday 8 April 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency's newsletter, FSA News, has been published and is available online.

Open review for Agency's labelling and authenticity programme Tuesday 8 April 2003 About 100 delegates from the food industry, consumer organisations, research laboratories, contractors and enforcement bodies attended a meeting on 6 March organised by the Food Standards Agency to review its Food Authenticity and Labelling Programme.

New Chief Executive for Food Standards Agency Tuesday 8 April 2003 Dr Jon Bell has been appointed Chief Executive of the Food Standards Agency. He was previously Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Food Safety and has been Acting Chief Executive since December 2002.

Citizens' jury verdict announced Monday 7 April 2003 Jurors taking part in the Food Standards Agency citizens' jury on GM food have delivered their verdict.

Citizens' jury live online now Monday 7 April 2003 The Food Standards Agency is continuing its activities to independently assess people's views on GM food and how it relates to consumer choice with a Citizens' Jury, which is hearing its final evidence today.

FSA citizens' jury says GM food should be available to buy in the UK Monday 7 April 2003 The FSA citizens' jury decided this afternoon that GM foods should be available to buy in the UK, although a sizeable minority (6 out of 15) disagreed, believing that the UK is not yet ready for GM foods.

Eating oily fish cuts heart disease risk among Sikhs Friday 4 April 2003 The Sikh population, and potentially other Asian groups, could significantly reduce their risk of heart disease by increasing the amount of oily fish they eat, according to research released by the Food Standards Agency today.

Agency to increase focus on diet and health Thursday 3 April 2003 Speaking on the third anniversary of the launch of the Food Standards Agency, FSA Chair Sir John Krebs said that the Agency will in future increase its focus on diet and health.

Advisory Committees seek new members Wednesday 2 April 2003 Three of the Agency's advisory committees are seeking new members. The Consumer Committee, established to help the Agency address consumer needs, is seeking two new members. The Advisory Committee on Research and the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals both require one new non-specialist member.

Meat Hygiene Service performance targets 2003/04 Tuesday 1 April 2003 Continued focus on food safety, food law enforcement, animal welfare, diversity of MHS staff, and efficiency are among the performance targets set for the Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) for 2003/04.

Committee on Nutrition holds open meeting Monday 31 March 2003 The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN), which advises the Food Standards Agency and health departments on the scientific aspects of nutrition and health, will be holding its annual open meeting at the Department of Health on 12 June 2003.

Food hygiene video wins three awards Monday 31 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency won three advertising industry 'Oscars' for its food hygiene training video: Bacteria Bites Business, at the International Visual Communications Association annual awards in London on 28 March 2003.

FSA consults on its review of Over Thirty Months rule Friday 28 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is consulting on replacing one of the BSE controls – the Over Thirty Months (OTM) rule – with BSE testing.

Scottish school wins GM food debate Thursday 27 March 2003 Scottish pupils dominated the finals of this year's national School Debating Competition at Durham University. From four schools to make the final of the event, which was sponsored by the Food Standards Agency, three were from Scotland, including the winner.

Young people debate GM Thursday 27 March 2003 A majority of young people at Durham Union Society Schools Debating Competition voted in favour of eating GM food after two hours of heated debate. The annual event was sponsored this year by the Food Standards Agency and you can view it here as video-on-demand.

ACMSF Annual Report 2002 published Thursday 27 March 2003 The Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food, an expert committee which supplies the Food Standards Agency with independent advice, has published its 11th annual report.

Bids sought for Food Working Party Wednesday 26 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is inviting tenders to run an independent Food Working Party for representatives of UK consumer and public interest groups.

Meat Hygiene Service Hourly Charges 2003/4 Tuesday 25 March 2003 The Meat Hygiene Service (MHS), an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency, has updated stakeholders on changes to its hourly service charges for 2003/4.

Errors in the 6th Edition of Composition of Foods (March 2003) Tuesday 25 March 2003 Since its publication at the end of 2002, a number of minor errors have come to light in The Composition of Foods, sixth summary edition. The errors identified so far are listed. An updated electronic version will be sent to those who have already purchased it towards the end of April 2003.

Preliminary draft proposal for Regulation about adding vitamins, minerals etc to foods Monday 24 March 2003 The Food Labelling Division at the Food Standards Agency has updated stakeholders on discussions in Brussels about the European Commission's preliminary draft proposal for a Regulation on adding vitamins, minerals and certain other substances to foods.

Original Vodka Russia Export Quality Friday 21 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency has issued an urgent warning to anyone who may have bought a brand of vodka called Original Vodka Russia Export Quality, made in Belgium. This product could contain dangerous levels of methanol.

Cash boost to local food hygiene schemes Friday 21 March 2003 Ten local authorities have been awarded £10,000 each by the Food Standards Agency to support their food hygiene initiatives. The awards were made after the Agency invited local authorities to come up with ideas for getting key food hygiene messages across to their local communities.

Low levels of mycotoxins in apple juice and apple products Thursday 20 March 2003 The Agency has carried out a survey on the occurrence of the naturally produced mycotoxins patulin, alterariol and alternariol monomethyl ether in apple juice and apple products. Mycotoxins are undesirable natural chemicals produced by moulds that may grow on apples.

Update on bottled water legislation Wednesday 19 March 2003 This is an update on the progress of: (i) the Natural Mineral Water, Spring Water and Bottled Drinking Water (Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2003, and (ii) the transposition of the new Directive setting limits for toxic substances in natural mineral water, and laying down conditions of use for ozone in natural mineral water and spring water.

Agency consults on new meat regulations Wednesday 19 March 2003 The Agency is consulting on new draft meat and minced meat product regulations.

Board Meeting update: March 2003 Friday 14 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency held an Open Board Meeting on 13 March 2003 at the Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS.

Consultation on feed and food control rules Thursday 13 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is seeking views on a major new European Commission proposal to harmonise the rules throughout the European Union on official controls on animal feed and food for human consumption.

Tests find water and animal proteins in chicken Wednesday 12 March 2003 Results published today demonstrate a continuing problem with added water and animal protein in chicken supplied to restaurants and takeaways.

New Board members Wednesday 12 March 2003 The appointment of three new Board members was announced today by the Food Standards Agency.

Updated warning on fake vodka Tuesday 11 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing an updated health warning to the public as more bottles of Imperial Valkonov Vodka have been found. A similar fake brand, Kelvenoff Vodka, has also been discovered.

International committee to discuss food labelling Tuesday 11 March 2003 The 31st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling is to take place in Ottawa, Canada from 28 April to 2 May 2003.

Open Board meeting papers published Tuesday 11 March 2003 The agenda and papers of the Agency's next open Board meeting have been published.

May the 'force' be with you Monday 10 March 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency's newsletter, FSA News, contains a special supplement providing in-depth coverage of the Agency's enforcement work.

Eastleigh Borough Council audited Monday 10 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency has published an in-depth report on the food law enforcement services carried out by the Environmental Health Service’s Commercial Team of Eastleigh Borough Council.

OTM Rule public meeting - 7 March 2003 Friday 7 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency held a public consultation meeting as part of its review of the Over Thirty Months (OTM) Rule on Friday 7 March 2003 at the New Connaught Rooms, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5DA.

Public meeting discusses revised BSE risk Friday 7 March 2003 A public meeting in London has discussed options for a possible change to the Over Thirty Month (OTM) Rule in the UK, where cattle aged over thirty months are not allowed into the food supply.

Counterfeit whisky warning Friday 7 March 2003 The Agency has renewed its warning against drinking counterfeit Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky after more bottles contaminated with unacceptable levels of methanol were found.

Open Board Meeting invitation Thursday 6 March 2003 The next Food Standards Agency Open Board Meeting is taking place at 9.30am on Thursday 13 March 2003. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, which is being held at Congress Centre, 28 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3LS.

Newport City Council audited Wednesday 5 March 2003 An audit of Newport City Council's food law enforcement activity by Food Standards Agency Wales has found that the Local Authority was providing a comprehensive service in an efficient and well-controlled manner.

Illegal drug residues found in Portugese chickens Tuesday 4 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing a warning to British poultry importers and retailers after chickens from Portugal were found to contain traces of a banned veterinary drug. The Agency is advising importers and retailers against selling these products unless they can be shown to be free of nitrofuran antibiotics.

Food law guidance consultation Monday 3 March 2003 The Food Standards Agency is consulting on a revised Code of Practice for the enforcement of food law by local authorities.

Dried vine fruits surveyed Monday 3 March 2003 A recent Food Standards Agency survey shows that the vast majority of dried vine fruits are within the legal limits for a chemical called ochratoxin A.

Vacancies on ACAF Friday 28 February 2003 Applications are invited to fill three posts on the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs.

Contaminated vodka alert Friday 28 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency is issuing an urgent warning to anyone who may have bought contaminated vodka called Imperial Valkonov Vodka. This could contain dangerous levels of methanol.

Final report confirms previously published figures on bacteria in chicken Thursday 27 February 2003 The final report of a UK-wide survey of salmonella and campylobacter in chicken has today confirmed the initial results published in August 2001.

Clearer labelling for fruit juices Tuesday 25 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency is consulting on revised rules that will make it easier for people to see how a fruit juice has been made.

Basmati guidance issued Tuesday 25 February 2003 New guidance aimed at ensuring consumers are not sold rice wrongly labelled as 'Basmati' has been published by the Food Standards Agency.

ACMSF appointments Tuesday 25 February 2003 FSA Chair Sir John Krebs has re-appointed three members of the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food (ACMSF) for a two-year period. Sir John also announced the appointment of a new member to the committee, which provides the FSA with expert independent advice. Appointments to the committee are made strictly on merit following public advertisement.

Commission Directives 2003/13/EC and 2003/14/EC Friday 21 February 2003 Commission Directive 2003/13/EC amending Directive 96/5/EC on processed cereal-based foods and baby foods for infants and young children and Commission Directive 2003/14/EC amending Directive 91/321/EEC on infant formulae and follow-on formulae

Voluntary labelling approach following raw milk consultation Thursday 20 February 2003 Welsh Assembly Government Health and Social Services Minister Jane Hutt has decided that a voluntary change to unpasteurised or ‘raw’ milk labelling in Wales is to be introduced following a Food Standards Agency Wales consultation.

FSA Chair's speech to NFU Thursday 20 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency's update on the Over Thirty Month Rule review and the Agency's approach to risk were the main topics of FSA Chair Sir John Krebs' speech to the National Farmers' Union yesterday.

EC to consider regulating the addition of vitamins and minerals to foods Wednesday 19 February 2003 The Agency is consulting on preliminary steps taken by the European Commission to consider the harmonisation of Community rules on the voluntary addition of vitamins and minerals to food.

Shellfish programme reviewed Wednesday 19 February 2003 Food Standards Agency Scotland is consulting on an independent review of its shellfish programme.

SACN reappointments Wednesday 19 February 2003 Dr Tim Key and Professor John Cummings have been reappointed to the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) for a further four-year period.

Updated advice to pregnant and breastfeeding women on eating certain fish Monday 17 February 2003 Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those who intend to become pregnant, should eat no more than two medium-size cans of tuna, or one fresh tuna steak per week, according to updated Food Standards Agency advice. These women are also advised to avoid eating shark, swordfish and marlin. This is because mercury can harm an unborn child’s developing nervous system.

Survey shows drop in food safety concern Monday 17 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency's third annual Consumer Attitudes to Food survey reveals a small but significant decrease in concern about food safety and an overall decline in the number of people with concerns about specific food issues.

Better understanding of '5-a-day' message Monday 17 February 2003 Significantly more people understand the 'five-a-day' fruit and veg message, according to the Food Standards Agency's 2002 Consumer Attitudes to Food survey.

Labelling 'lacks information' Monday 17 February 2003 A quarter of consumers still believe that food labels contain too little information, the Food Standards Agency's third Consumer Attitudes to Food survey has found.

Food safety concerns fall in Wales Monday 17 February 2003 The third Welsh Consumer Attitudes to Food survey has revealed a small but significant decrease in food safety concerns between 2000 and 2002. The annual survey of more than 700 consumers across Wales also shows a more significant fall in concern about BSE and GM food.

Food safety concerns fall in Scotland Monday 17 February 2003 The third Scottish Consumer Attitudes to Food survey has revealed a small but significant decrease in food safety concerns between 2000 and 2002. The annual survey of more than 700 consumers across Scotland also shows a more significant fall in concern about BSE and GM food.

Agency opens up GM food debate Saturday 15 February 2003 A range of initiatives to independently assess people's views on the acceptability of genetically modified food and how this relates to consumer choice was announced today by the Food Standards Agency. These initiatives will form the Agency's contribution to the wider Government debate about genetic modification.

Board Meeting update: February 2003 Friday 14 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency held an Open Board Meeting on 13 February 2003 at the Jarvis Piccadilly, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester M60 1QR. It considered a progress report on the Agency's Local Authority Food Law Enforcement Activity, a paper on the Strategy for the Wider Implementation of HACCP, and a paper on Food Intolerance, Including Food Allergy.

Nine-point nutrition plan launched in Wales Thursday 13 February 2003 A strategy to improve the health of people in Wales through their diet is being launched by Jane Hutt, Welsh Assembly Government Health and Social Services Minister, today.

Open Board Meeting Agenda and Papers Wednesday 12 February 2003 The Agenda and Papers of the Food Standards Agency Board's next Open Meeting are now available. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, being held at the Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester on 13 February 2003.

Food business inspection targets being met in Scotland Wednesday 12 February 2003 More than 90% of Scottish local authorities are satisfactorily carrying out planned inspections of high risk food businesses, according to a Food Standards Agency report on food safety enforcement work.

Local authority inspection figures published Tuesday 11 February 2003 Most local authorities are carrying out 50% or more of planned inspections of high risk food businesses, according to an annual report of the food safety work undertaken by local authorities. The report is due to be considered at the Food Standards Agency Board's Open Meeting in Manchester on 13 February 2003.

Young people to get their just desserts at 'Get Cooking' presentation Tuesday 11 February 2003 Young people involved in a pilot project aimed at encouraging them to enjoy and have confidence in cooking are to be rewarded at a special certificate presentation ceremony in the Rhondda.

Bamboozled, baffled and bombarded Monday 10 February 2003 Clearer, more accurate and more honest information is needed on food labels if consumers are to avoid being misinformed, according to a report commissioned by the Food Standards Agency.

School lunches to be surveyed Monday 10 February 2003 A survey of school lunches in secondary schools in England is being commissioned by the Food Standards Agency and the Department for Education and Skills.

Peanut test breakthrough Friday 7 February 2003 Scientists working on behalf of the Food Standards Agency have developed a test that can detect tiny amounts of peanut in processed food, and make a real difference for people who suffer from peanut allergy.

Nickel levels in boiled tap water Friday 7 February 2003 The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) has carried out a study investigating levels of nickel in tap water boiled in domestic kettles.

Update on Meat Product Regulations Thursday 6 February 2003 Directive 2001/101, which provides the new European definition of meat for labelling purposes, came into force on 1 January 2003.

Agency initiatives highlighted in latest FSA News Wednesday 5 February 2003 The latest issue of the Food Standards Agency's newsletter FSA News has been published and is available online.

Agency Board meets in Manchester Wednesday 5 February 2003 Action to help people with food intolerance and allergies will be among topics up for discussion when the Food Standards Agency Board holds its Open Meeting in Manchester. Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting, being held at the Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel, Piccadilly Plaza on 13 February 2003.

FSA confirms Dounreay restrictions are protecting the public Monday 3 February 2003 The Food Standards Agency considers that the existing restrictions around Dounreay are sufficient.

Dounreay restrictions protecting public Friday 31 January 2003 A risk assessment carried out by the Food Standards Agency has found that existing food safety restrictions around Dounreay nuclear power station in the north of Scotland are sufficient.

Audit reports for Exeter and Worcester councils published Friday 31 January 2003 Two reports auditing food law enforcement activity at Exeter and Worcester councils have been published by the Food Standards Agency.

Involving consumers in policy making: who benefits? Thursday 30 January 2003 The Agency is hosting a seminar with the National Consumer Council on ways of involving consumers in decision making. The seminar will discuss ways of increasing contributions from consumers in food policy decision making, particularly those from disadvantaged groups.

MHS consults on proposed changes to meat inspection charges Thursday 30 January 2003 The Meat Hygiene Service has issued a consultation document on proposed meat inspection charges to industry for the 2003/2004 financial year. Responses are requested by 26 February 2003. The Meat Hygiene Service is an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency.

Improving allergy information in catering outlets Thursday 30 January 2003 The Agency's Food Labelling Division is holding a stakeholder meeting to discuss how to improve allergy information in catering outlets and for food sold loose.

Oils and waxes in packaging pose no health risk Wednesday 29 January 2003 People's health is unlikely to be affected by the transfer of oils and waxes from food packaging into food, an Agency survey has found.

Programme review Wednesday 29 January 2003 The Food Standards Agency is reviewing the work of its Food Authenticity and Labelling Programme.

Agency seeks new Deputy Chair Friday 24 January 2003 The FSA is seeking a new Deputy Chair to succeed Suzi Leather. Ms Leather left the Agency at the end of 2002 after being appointed Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.

Agency consults on waste food report Wednesday 22 January 2003 The Food Standards Agency is consulting on a report that looks into the controls for the safe disposal of waste by-products from slaughtered animals. Waste by-products are the parts of the animal not intended for, or unfit for, human consumption.

Information days launched down on the farm Thursday 16 January 2003 The Food Standards Agency has launched a new initiative to promote clean cattle and meat safety throughout the beef production chain.

Current research requirements Thursday 16 January 2003 Details of the Food Standards Agency's requirements for new research have been published.

The Composition of Foods - have your say Wednesday 15 January 2003 A review of McCance and Widdowson's The Composition of Foods series, which contains information on the nutrient composition of foods commonly eaten in the UK, has been commissioned by the Food Standards Agency.

Agency Chair delivers City Food Lecture Tuesday 14 January 2003 Sir John Krebs, Chair of the Food Standards Agency, has delivered the third annual City Food Lecture, sponsored by Sainsbury’s, at the Guildhall in London.

Caterers sent egg safety leaflet Tuesday 14 January 2003 Caterers are being targeted by the Food Standards Agency with the publication of a new leaflet about eggs in a bid to reduce cases of salmonella food poisoning.

Children's drink dilutions surveyed Monday 13 January 2003 A Food Standards Agency survey of fruit squash drinks has found that most drinks are diluted appropriately for children.

International consultation Thursday 9 January 2003 The Food Standards Agency is asking for comments on proposed changes to the Codex draft standards for infant formula, cereal-based foods for infants and young children, and Codex draft guidelines for vitamin and mineral supplements.

New programme of audits unveiled Thursday 9 January 2003 The Agency is starting a programme of 15 new audits of local authorities to examine the consistency and effectiveness of their approach to the formal enforcement of food legislation.

First Wales audit report published Tuesday 7 January 2003 Food Standards Agency Wales has published the first of its audit reports that examine the food law enforcement work carried out by local authorities.

Agency consults on EU proposals for additions to list of specified risk material Tuesday 7 January 2003 The Agency is seeking views on proposed changes to EU regulations that will extend the list of animal tissues that are regarded as specified risk material (SRM) and banned from entering the food chain.

Fermanagh Council audited Friday 3 January 2003 Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland has published a report monitoring the food law enforcement activity at Fermanagh District Council.

SRM found in beef consignment from Ireland Thursday 2 January 2003 Specified risk material (SRM) has been found in a consignment of beef from the Republic of Ireland. SRM is that part of the animal most likely to contain BSE infectivity.

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