Agency seeks views on European Commission training strategy

Friday 13 October 2006

The FSA is seeking views on the European Commission's 'Better Training for Safer Food' strategy.

The options for the future organisation and management of training programmes under the strategy are set out in a Communication from the Commission. The Agency, DEFRA and devolved agriculture and rural affairs departments would like to hear people's views on the document.

This strategy was established following the adoption of Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on official controls. Around 1,500 officials from control authorities and services across Europe and non-EU countries have already participated in courses provided under the 2006 training programme. These courses covered a range of issues such as import controls at Border Inspection Posts and the implementation and auditing of food safety management systems.

The Commission Communication is to be discussed at European level at the end of October and in November. In view of this responses are requested by 27 October at the latest.