Food Standards Agency meets with meat industry to discuss recent scandals

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have met with meat industry representatives following the Russell Hume and 2 Sisters Food Group scandals.

Concerns arising from investigations into non-compliance with food hygiene regulations at the two companies prompted the FSA and FSS to launch an industry wide review.

In a joint statement the FSA, FSS and UK meat industry representatives said: "The discussion was constructive and engaging with all in the meeting agreeing the need for close collaboration and co-operation between regulators and industry in responding to the issues raised by recent events.

"As regulators and industry bodies we have a shared interest in making sure that consumer trust in the UK meat industry remains high. The food chain depends on trust and we want people to be confident that the meat they enjoy has been produced to the highest standards.

"We recognise that some concerns have been uncovered by recent regulatory inspections. In most cases businesses involved have taken actions to demonstrate compliance and continue to trade normally. Where those concerns were serious, enforcement procedures have been put in place."

Those in attendance at the meeting included the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, the British Meat Processors Association, the British Poultry Council, the National Association of Catering Butchers and National Federation of Meat & Food Traders.

Russell Hume fell into administration after this week after an FSA and FSS probe saw its plants shut down last month.

FSA to launch full review of meat suppliers in the wake of ‘serious incidents' >>

Russell Hume enters administration following Food Standards Agency investigation >>

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