Defra/FSA Concordat

Defra and Food Standards Agency relations are governed by their respective statutory functions and by a Concordat. The Concordat (40 KB) sets out the general principles governing the Defra/FSA relationship and how issues should be handled to ensure effective working relationships with good communications in both directions.

The Concordat sets out the division of responsibilities between the two departments with specific sections on: the role of the Chief Veterinary Officer; animal welfare at slaughter; pesticides safety; veterinary medicines; foodborne zoonoses; TSEs; food standards and labelling; genetically modified organisms; animal feedingstuffs; animal by-products; radioactive substances; drinking water; shellfish hygiene; disposal of organic waste to land; public bodies; European Union and international arrangements; arrangements for handling emergencies; charging; and operation and review of bilateral Concordats.

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