FSA reviews food law introduction

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to reconsider the introduction of a new law which would enable food inspectors to instantly close pub kitchens.

The FSA was due to implement the new laws which would give councils' Environmental Health Officers the power to close any food business -including pub kitchens - without consulting a third party in January 2006. But industry pressure has caused them to rethink the proposal.

The Forum of Private Business (FPB) joined the call for the FSA to reconsider the regulation. An FPB spokesperson said "the new powers could be applied erroneously and lead to financial ruin for the business concerned".

Powers to close businesses are known as Remedial Action Notices (RANs) and currently apply only to food production premises such as abattoirs, but not to the catering industry. A spokesperson for the FSA said: "The Agency will consider whether RANs will apply to all food

businesses after proper consideration is given to stakeholder concerns about this issue. The Agency will, therefore, be consulting further with stakeholders and industry. "

The New Year also bought new food hygiene regulations. The regulations relating to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) have been tightened up. This involves kitchens setting in place permanent procedures to identify hazards throughout cooking and reduce risks throughout all stages of food production.

The Confederation of Professional Licensees is offering a new course to train food handlers to the required standard. For more information visit www.beercareer.com or call 0151 6506910.