What the Agency does
The FSA provides advice and information to the public and Government on food safety from farm to fork. It also protects consumers through effective food enforcement and monitoring.
What we do:
As a Government department, independent regulator and consumer protection body, we use the best available evidence and work with:
- business from farm to fork to help them keep consumers safe
- local authorities and other food law enforcement bodies to help them take proportionate, timely and resolute action
- consumers to provide reliable and up to date information to help them make safe choices about food
Our values:
Everything we do reflects our vision of Safe food and healthy eating for all:
- putting the consumer first
- openness and independence
- science and evidence-based
Our principles in practice:
As an organisation, employer and as individuals we value:
- honesty, objectivity and integrity
- striving for continuous improvement, efficiency and effectiveness
- diversity, cooperation and respect
How is the FSA independent?
Although the FSA is a Government agency, it works at 'arm's length' from Government because it doesn't report to a specific minister and is free to publish any advice it issues.
How is the FSA structured?
The Agency is led by a Board that has been appointed to act in the public interest and not to represent particular sectors. Board members have a wide range of relevant skills and experience.
Our UK headquarters are in London, but the Agency also has offices in York, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Who is the FSA accountable to?
We're accountable to Parliament through Health Ministers, and to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for its activities within their areas.
How does the FSA make its decisions?
We base our decisions and advice on the best evidence available. And we aim to ensure that our decision-making process is as open and transparent in as possible.
Whenever possible, we seek the views of interested parties before reaching conclusions, and always explain the reasons for a decision and advice in a straightforward manner.
The Agency also obtains independent expert advice from its scientific advisory committees and commissions research to support its functions.
Strategy to 2015
The six outcomes the FSA aims to deliver are:
- foods produced or sold in the UK are safe to eat
- imported food is safe to eat
- food producers and caterers give priority to consumer interests in relation to food
- consumers have the information and understanding they need to make informed choices about where and what they eat
- regulation is effective, risk-based and proportionate, is clear about the responsibilities of food business operators, and protects consumers and their interests from fraud and other risks
- enforcement is effective, consistent, risk-based and proportionate and is focused on improving public health
The full strategy can be found at the link below.
Related links
(pdf 122KB)Find out more
What the Agency does: FAQs
The Food Standards Agency is responsible for food safety and food hygiene across the UK. We work with local authorities to enforce food safety rules and have staff who work in UK meat plants to check that the requirements of the regulations are being met. We also commission research related to food safety.
Business reports
Business reports for the Food Standards Agency including our Annual report and accounts, business plans, departmental report and strategic plan.
General Objectives and Practices
This page links to the final text of the Statement of General Objectives and Practices. The statement laid before Parliament and the devolved assemblies and approved by health ministers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The history of the Food Standards Agency
Under the Food Standards Act, the Food Standards Agency is charged with protecting consumer interests in relation to food safety and standards.