FOOD SAFETY LEGISLATION

-Please note this page is a quick legal summary. Do not take it for legal advise-

Food Legislation effects all food establishments.

How the food legislation effects you depends on the type of food business and the size of your food business.

The main food laws which apply to these areas in the UK are;

The Food Safety Act 1990 (as amended) - -

-provides the framework for all food legislation in Great Britain

The General Food Law Regulation (EC) 178/2002 - is EC legislation on general food safety.

The General Food Regulations 2004 (as amended) provides for the enforcement of certain provisions of other Regulations, including imposing penalties.

The main food safety and consumer protection offences created by the legislation is placing unsafe food on the market or misleading the consumer.

In addition to this all food placed on the market within the EU must comply with the EU legislation (this includes imports) which includes the food be labelled correctly, the food establishment being registered to the competent home authority, the product being fully traceable. In addition to this if a business places food on the market which is unsafe then they must withdraw the product and inform the competent home authority immediately.

Failing to comply to the above legislation can lead to a maximum prison term of two years and a fine.

More information on food law can be obtained from the FSA website or by speaking to your local EHO

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